Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

November 26, 2009 

The Taste Berry 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Psalm 138:2 "I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name."

Friend To Friend
One of the first lessons we teach our children is to say "thank you" when receiving a gift or a compliment from someone. It is just good manners, right? When it comes to thanking God for all He has done in my life, my manners need a monumental overhaul. I am quick to lay my needs and concerns at His feet in prayer, but when those prayers are answered, I tend to get so wrapped up in the answer that I forget to thank the One who provided the answer. Can you relate? We are not alone.

While Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, he came to a small town where ten men who had a skin disease met him. They did not come close to Jesus but called to him, "Jesus! Master! Have mercy on us!"

When Jesus saw the men, he said, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." As the ten men walked away, they were healed. When one of them saw that he was healed, he went back to Jesus, praising God in a loud voice. Then he bowed down at Jesus' feet and thanked him. Jesus said, "Weren't ten men healed? Where are the other nine? (Luke 17)

We are quick to ask God to meet our needs but we sometimes forget to thank Him for doing so.

While Thanksgiving does remind us to stop and give thanks, Thanksgiving is not just a national holiday to be celebrated for a few hours each November. Learning to live in the gear of perpetual thanksgiving is a life changing discipline. Giving thanks should be a natural characteristic and innate practice of every believer. We should be quick to thank God for all that He has done as well as for all He is presently doing and going to do in our life. That is where faith comes in.

We may not always understand God's process but we can always trust His heart. A thankful heart is a trusting heart. Learning to be thankful - even when we cannot see, hear or understand what God is doing or how He is working - is authentic thanksgiving and the direct result of a living, active and personal faith in God. 

It is said that in Africa there is a fruit called the "taste berry." It changes a person's taste so that everything eaten after eating the berry tastes good and sweet. A thankful heart is the "taste berry" of an obedient life. When our heart is filled with gratitude, life is sweeter.  Before you cut that turkey or eat that first bite of dressing, check your heart.

Let's Pray
Lord, I give thanks to You for You are good; Your love endures forever. You are with me so I will not be afraid. You are my strength and my song and my salvation. You have made this day so I will rejoice and be glad in it. You are my God and I will give You thanks. You are good and I will lift You up with my thanksgiving. Father, I praise You because You have conquered and taken away the sting of death. Today, I choose to give You thanks in all circumstances - no matter what - because I know it is Your will for me to praise You. Be lifted up, God, and be enthroned in the praises I bring.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
It may be Thanksgiving Day on the calendar but for some of us it is a dark and uncertain day. Remember that our inner attitude does not have to reflect our outer circumstances.  We can choose to give God thanks and we can literally train our heart in an attitude of gratitude.   


Go back over the past year. What has God done in your life?  Thank Him for each blessing that comes to mind. Thank Him for answered prayer, spiritual blessings, relational blessings, physical blessings and material blessings. 
Make a list of your blessings. Share them with family and friends. 
Make a new commitment today to cultivate a thankful heart.   

More From The Girlfriends
The Girlfriends in God team prays that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!  We pray that your table is full, that your family and friends are gathered together and that your home is a place of joy and your life an illustration of our living God! 

Gwen, Sharon and I thank God for you and this precious ministry we share as girlfriends in God and look forward to doing life with you in the days ahead.  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]

November 27, 2009 

From Cinders to Cinderella 

Angela L. Craig 

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

Today's Truth
Isaiah 61:3 (HCSB) "...to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair. And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the LORD, to glorify Him."

Friend To Friend
At a recent women's conference, a friend's young daughter handed me a picture she had colored for me. At the top of the masterpiece were the words, To Angela, From Megan and below was an image we are all familiar with, Cinderella. There Cinderella stood in her beautiful dress, shimmering in pink satin with lavender silk ribbon strung by jewel-colored bluebirds along the bottom of her flowing gown. The drawing created the perfect picture of beauty and innocence just as I remembered from the hundred of times I had watched the movie Cinderella as a child and even as an adult.

Tears began to run down my face. The tears surprised me. After all, it was only a picture of Cinderella. I dismissed the tears as just a reaction to the fact that I have boys who would never think of coloring such a beautiful picture for their mother. (They might bring me the gift of a dead bug or a Lego creation, but never a lovely portrait of Cinderella!) As the day went on, the picture of Cinderella never left my mind and I knew there was a much deeper message in my tears than I had initially thought.

While growing up, I always dreamed of being Cinderella - the Cinderella in the picture that Megan colored for me. Not merely for her beauty or for the fairly tale ending of the prince on the white horse (although, I'd be lying if I told you that was not part of it). I also desired her complete freedom and hope but it seemed I was always the girl of cinder and ashes waiting alone at the fireplace before the ball, imprisoned by circumstances that left me with no self-worth ... until I met Jesus.

This was the reason for my tears. They were tears of joy because I can honestly tell you that a relationship with Jesus Christ can and will change your life from a girl of ashes and cinders to a girl of beauty. They were also tears of pain for any woman who does not know that her life can be completely different by taking the risk to find out who Jesus really is.

You do not need to wait alone by the fireplace anymore. Jesus is waiting. He is that Prince on the white horse and so much more! Remember, you have all your Girlfriends in God that want to join you on your journey of faith. God has a plan and a purpose for your life. He wants to break your world wide open and show you the possibilities! You are invited to the ball my friend, but you must take the first step out of the ashes. Will you take that step today?

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me just as I am. I praise You for being everything I need in my life. Please help me to keep my eyes on You and value Your opinion above all others. I choose to recognize my worth in You and today I celebrate the fact that I am Your daughter, loved and chosen.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now it is Your Turn

1) Who do you identify with more, Cinderella waiting by the fireplace, or Cinderella at the ball?

2) Do you have the life you always dreamed of? Has your prince come? So often we expect man to meet our needs but the Bible teaches us that this is impossible. Only God can meet our needs. Revelation 6:2 refers to Jesus as the Prince on the white horse. Revelation 19:11 calls him "faithful and true."  Reflect and journal on one expectation that you could allow God to fill for you.

More From The Girlfriends
Consider reading Gwen Smith's book, Broken Into Beautiful as she invites you to experience how the unconditional love of Jesus can change your life. Then stand back and watch the wonder of grace at work. He is willing to eternally forgive 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]

November 30, 2009 

Battered and Bruised
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV) "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." 

Friend To Friend
The speaker came out onto the stage. He pulled out a one-hundred dollar bill.

"Who would like this one-hundred dollar bill?" he asked.

Hands shot up all around the room.

Then he crumpled the paper, threw it on the floor and ground the dirt into it with his foot.  Holding up the dirty, crumpled and tattered money, he then asked, "Now, who wants this one-hundred dollar bill?"

The same hands went into the air.

"And that is why God still wants you," he continued. "You may be battered and bruised. You may be tattered and torn. You may be crumpled and creased but that does not change your value to God any more than what I have done changes the value of this one-hundred dollar bill.  You are still precious and valuable to the God who chose you, redeemed you, and loves you as His own."

"He knows how we are formed; he remembers that we are dust" (Psalm 103:14). God understands that we are fatally flawed creatures, yet deems us immeasurably valuable no matter how crumpled and soiled we are.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Corinthians 4:7). In Paul's day, it was customary to store treasure in clay jars. The common container disguised its contents and didn't draw attention to the treasure within. You and I might not look like much on the outside. We may appear as common as jars of clay, but inside are hidden incredible treasures. Inside these old cracked pots reside the most incredible treasure of all - Jesus Christ.  And that makes us valuable.

In Louisa May Alcott's book, Little Women, she includes a conversation from Mrs. March to her three girls, Meg, Jo, and Amy. "I only care what you think of yourself. If you feel your value lies in being merely decorative, I fear that someday you might find yourself believing that's all you really are. Time erodes all such beauty. But what it cannot diminish is the wonderful workings of your mind - your humor, your kindness, and your moral courage. These are things I so cherish in you."

Our culture places an ungodly amount of significance on a woman's appearance. Outward trappings of appearance are simply ... trappings but God sees us as simple jars of clay containing valuable treasure and that makes us beautiful to Him.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, even though I am battered and bruised, I know that I am still valuable to You. Thank You for loving me so much that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to die for my sins. Thank You for making a way for me to have eternal life through Jesus' sacrifice. Thank You for seeing me as Your priceless treasure.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Don't you love the teacher's illustration of the crumpled dollar bill? Today, consider using that illustration with a friend or a child who feels knocked down by life.

Did the illustration touch you in a particular way? Is so, I'd love to hear about it. You can share your thoughts on my blog at www.sharonjayes.com/blog.

More From The Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's book, I'm Not Good Enough and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves. If you feel battered and bruised by life, if you have been believing lies that you are worthless, then join Sharon in learning to see yourself as God sees you - a valuable treasure - as a chosen, dearly loved child of the King.

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]

December 1, 2009
Let's Adore Him
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.  Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh"  (Matthew 2:11 NIV).

Friend To Friend

O come, all ye faithful,

Come everyone!  Come sinners!  Come saints!
Come if you're tired, hungry, lonely, or faint!

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:28-31).

Joyful and triumphant;

Come with rejoicing!  Come celebrate!
We worship the One who is mighty and great!

"Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4).

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!

Come home-school mom!  Come business pro!  Come friend, wife, sister, and daughter!
Let's bow down low and worship Him.  Praise Son, Holy Spirit, and Father!

"Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11).

Come and behold Him - born the King of Angels!

Behold His majesty!  Behold the matchless King!
Behold the holy One!  Behold the saving Son!
He is the One deserving praise.
He is the Lord of night and day.
He is the God who reigns on high.
He is our holy Adonai.

"The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"  (John 1:29 NASB).

O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him - Christ the Lord!

Let's Pray
Lord Jesus, Words can't begin to express the gratefulness in my heart as I pause to adore You!  Thank you for putting on a garment of humanity to rescue me from my sin.  You are holy and righteous and worthy of my praise.  I bow before you today in humble adoration.  I love You, Jesus.  Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Sing to the King!  Pause to sing this song of worship (either out loud or in your soul) to our deserving Lord and connect with Him in spirit and in truth.  I'll start: "O come, all ye faithful..."

Make a list of 12 reasons that Jesus is worthy of your adoration.

Listen to this song, Holy Adonai, (turn on your speakers and CLICK HERE) as a final heart-focused portion of our time together.  Adore Him!

More From The Girlfriends
We were made to praise.  Purposed to respond to the glory of God.  Yet sometimes life's challenges and choices keep us from His presence and His peace.  Maybe you felt unable or unworthy of adoring Him as you read this.  Turn to Him now, friend.  His love is unconditional and His mercies know no end.  He loves you.  He's waiting.

GOT A HEART FOR WORSHIP? Download Gwen's live worship CD, Unsearchable, from iTunes, or order the CD from the store on her website.

GOT CHALLENGES? In her book, Broken Into Beautiful, Gwen Smith invites you to experience how the unconditional love of Jesus can change your life and bring strength and healing to your heart.  He can 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]

December 2, 2009   

Life without Limbs 

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV).

Friend To Friend
The camera framed the young man's handsome face as he flashed a beautiful smile to the audience and spoke with a beguiling accent.  "My name is Nick Vujicic," he began, "and I'm from Australia.  This morning, I want to share my testimony as to how God has given me grace, strength and comfort through my disability and how you can have victory, peace, and joy in your life- even if circumstances are still present in your life that don't make sense or cause your world to turn upside down."

The camera pulled back to reveal a young man with no arms and no legs, sitting before a massive mesmerized audience.  Several video clips followed as we watched this young limbless man shaving, getting a glass of water, walking up stairs, and diving head first in a crystal clear swimming pool. 

Born with no limbs, Nick has one of the most powerful of all human attributes: a voice.  He has made over 1,600 speaking appearances in 12 nations.  "No matter who you are, no matter what you're going through, God knows it," he said.  "He is with you.  He is going to pull you through."

On this particular day, I watched as Nick spoke to Dr. Robert Schuller during a worship service at the Crystal Cathedral in California.

"I'm twenty-four-years-old," Nick began.  "And there's actually no medical reason why this happened.  My mom was a nurse and she knew exactly what to do and what not to do in her first pregnancy.  I'm their first born son.  It was such a great tragedy and we had many questions.  They had many questions as parents.  I had many questions as a child.  But there were no answers.

"The world cannot tell us why I was born this way.  But I now see the glory of God in it and I give God all glory and thanks and praise because I am wonderfully and fearfully made.  He has a plan and a hope and a future for everybody.

"They (Nick's parents) went through many stages of denial and depression.  They straight away took me home and raised me like any other child.  But God's peace guided their hearts...

"It was just such a shock.  There's no trace of birth defects in either families.  I have a brother and a sister born after me and they have no birth defects.  But it's just amazing to see the miracle of God's grace as they raised me up.  As they trusted in God.  Such a stressful and anxious time in their lives."

On his left side, Nick has a tiny foot with two toes at the end of a stub.  He calls it a "chicken drum stick" because that's what it actually looks like.  With that tiny foot and two toes, Nick can type 43 words per minutes on a keyboard.  He has a double degree in accounting and financial planning, can walk, swim, and bring a crowd to their knees with his amazing words of God's grace.

"My purpose in life is to go out in the world and say, 'If I can trust in God with my circumstances, then you can trust in God with your circumstances," Nick explained."  We know that God's grace is sufficient and if He doesn't answer your prayers just know that He is with you and that's the message - 'fear not, for I am with you.'

"You know what?  A lot of people say, 'Nick, I can never imagine what you've gone through' or 'you're the most inspirational story,' or something like that.  I take that to heart.  I praise God for the inspiration that I am to the world.  But that's not to say that there's not someone else out there who is going through pain.  See we all are denying ourselves and taking up our cross.  We all know how it feels to be lonely or broken and the thing is this...I could look at you and say, 'maybe the things you have gone through are worse than what I've gone through.  But you say, 'no, I could never imagine myself without arms or legs.'  See, we can't and we should not compare sufferings.

"I'm just an empty vessel.  That's all I am.  It's not about me.  It's not about my achievements.  It's not about what I can do or what I cannot do.  It's about what I have become by the power of Jesus Christ.  That's the message."

Nick wasn't always so positive. When he was eight-years-old, he wanted to kill himself by flipping himself off the kitchen table to break his neck.  His father was a pastor and he grew up going to church and Sunday school.  He learned the verses in Psalm 139 that said he was fearfully and wonderfully made.  He read Jeremiah 29:11 about how God had a future and a hope for his life.  What kind of future will I have, he thought. 

He thought he would never get married, hold his wife's hand, dance on his wedding day, or be able to put his arms around his children when they cried.  "These things were important to me," he said.  "No one could tell me that everything was going to be OK.  And even if they did, I couldn't believe them."

Not yet in his teens, Nick prayed that God would give him arms and legs.  "It said in the Bible, 'Ask and you shall receive,' Nick explained.  "I had faith, and I was actually very angry at God.  I didn't understand it.  And I thought maybe I wasn't good enough.  Maybe that's the reason why He's not answering my prayer.  I mean, arms and legs are nothing for God the Creator of the Universe.  And so, I prayed for my circumstance to change, but it didn't happen."

"There are two things we want to hear in life as human beings.  First of all, that we're loved.  Second of all, everything is going to be OK.  And the greatest thing that God has given me is His love.  To know that He does love me.  And when there are things that happen in my life that I don't understand, when there are things that happen in your life and you don't understand the purpose, the question is this: Is God worthy of your thanks?  Is God still worthy of your praise? ...This life is temporary, but you know what, I love the fact that that is the greatest joy of all, having Jesus Christ in my life and living godly purposes He has for me.  And I can be thankful."

Here's what I want you to hear...I'm standing in my chair with a megaphone...hear this.  Nick went on to say, "We stereotype people in this world.  And so...if the world thinks you're not good enough, it's a lie, you know.  Get a second opinion."

Get a second opinion.  Get God's opinion.  He thinks Nick is amazing.  He thinks you are amazing. Nick, with no arms and legs, felt that he wasn't good enough for God to answer his prayers for physical wholeness.  He felt worthless. But oh, God had a greater plan.  He is using Nick to bring spiritual wholeness to millions around the world.  That is amazing.  Nick is good enough.  Nick is incredibly valuable to God.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, there is much about this life that I don't understand.  But this I do know.  Your ways are loving ways.  Your ways are kind.  So when I can't understand, when I can't trace Your hand, I will choose to trust Your heart.  Help me not to see the difficulties of my life as stumbling blocks, but as stepping stones.  And today, Lord, I thank You for Nick.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Nick tells us not to compare difficulties and pain, but at the same time, his life does help us get our difficulties in perspective.  How did you feel when you read about his attitude about his physical limitations?

I'm still just reflecting on Nick's story.  Maybe you need to just reflect on it as well. I'm not going to ask you a lot of questions today.  But I would like to hear your thoughts.  You can send your thoughts to www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes or to www.sharonjaynes.com/blog.

Here's a bonus. You can actually see Nick and hear him on the following link.  Click and be encouraged and challenged.





More From The Girlfriends
Nick's story is included in Sharon's book, I'm Not Good Enough...and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves.  To order, 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]

December 3, 2009 

Merry Christmas ... or Not! 

Part 1 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son." 

Friend To Friend
Christmas!  My favorite time of the year!

·         Brightly wrapped presents

·         Houses draped in lights

·         The smell of cinnamon and pine

·         Secret shopping trips

·         Children whispering and giggling

·         Old movies that make me laugh and cry

·         Phone calls from friends miles away

·         Chocolate covered cherries.

·         Carolers

Something important is happening, a time of celebration.  The literal meaning of "Christmas" is "Christ's Mass", the celebration of Christ.  We all want a joy-filled Christmas that truly celebrates Christ.  Yet, the holiday season often leaves us with very little joy and a feeling of emptiness.  What is the secret to a merry Christmas?   

I believe that the secret to the celebration of Christmas is found in giving.  Maybe we are giving the wrong gifts.  Maybe we are giving gifts to the wrong people.  Maybe we are not receiving the right gifts.  Over the next two days, we will look at the truths surrounding a Christmas that is filled with joy and Christ Himself.

The first truth is that we must receive God's gift to us. 

Luke 2:8-13 "There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them; and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

God gave the greatest gift of all when He gave Jesus, a gift that only eternity can measure.  Across the manger is a shadow of the cross and an empty tomb.  The very heart of Christmas can be found in a familiar verse, a verse we seldom associate with the Christmas season.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son."

Christmas is not a date on the calendar but a way of life.  Like the innkeeper who turned away Mary and Joseph, we are often guilty of posting a sign across the entrance of our heart and life that reads, "No room!"  We can participate in every festivity of the Christmas season, but until we receive the gift of Jesus Christ, we will never truly experience Christmas. 

To have a Christ-centered Christmas, we must not only recognize Him as the center of a season, but the center of our entire life as well - every part of it - every day of the year.  By human standards, Jesus could and should have been born in a palace, a mansion fit for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  But He came to a manger, and His birth was announced by shepherds instead of Kings; the greatest of all miracles - in the midst of total simplicity.  Even today, this extraordinary Jesus comes to us in the midst of our ordinary lives.  He comes to be one of us. 

It was Christmas Eve and the family was preparing to attend the church service.  Everyone was going, everyone except Dad.  He was an honest man, a good man, but he simply could neither understand nor accept the story of the baby in a manger. It was just too far-fetched for the human mind to conceive. How could God allow His Son to give up Heaven for Earth?  Why would Jesus want to die for any man?  The questions lingered and, not wanting to be a hypocrite, the man chose to stay home rather than sit in a pew with an unbelieving heart.

As his family went out into the cold wintry night, the man added a log to the fire and settled into his favorite chair to read the paper and wait for his family's return.  A knock at the window pulled him away from his peaceful reverie and glancing outside, he was stunned to see that the knocking sound was actually a small bird desperately trying to reach the warmth of the fire. 

The man thought for a moment, contemplating a solution to the bird's predicament.  He opened the window but the bird wouldn't come in.  He tried opening the front door, but the bird refused his offer.  Finally, the man grabbed his coat and stepped into the Christmas night and God's plan.  He trudged through the deepening snow, determined to save the tiny bird by opening the barn doors, convincing the little bird that the barn was safe and warm.  Still, the bird refused his solution. 

Frustrated, the man thought, "If only I could be a bird, for just a moment, I could lead the bird to safety."  Suddenly, the sound of church bells rang through the cold, dark night - and he knew.  He finally understood the reason Jesus came - to be one of us - to lead us into the safety of His will. 

"And it was necessary for Jesus to be like us so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God.  For since he himself has now been through suffering and temptation, he knows what it is like when we suffer and are tempted, and he is wonderfully able to help us."  Hebrews 2:17-18

Wherever you are today, Jesus has been there and He understands.  God has tucked a longing into Christmas, a longing for home. That longing can never be satisfied outside of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ!  That's why He came. The first truth of a Christ-centered Christmas is to receive God's gift - Jesus.

Let's Pray
Jesus, I am so tired of shallow and meaningless Christmas celebrations.  This year, I want to experience You and a Christmas filled with Your joy.  Right now, I give myself to You and ask You to forgive my sin and take control of my life.  I invite You to reign as Lord and Savior.  Thank You, Father, for Your love and Your mercy.  I am Yours. 

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
If you prayed today's prayer, I encourage you to read the following verses of scripture and consider the truths listed beside each one.

Romans 3:23              We all have sinned.

Romans 6:23              The price of sin is death, but God paid that price.

Romans 5:8                Jesus died for our sin.

Romans 10:13            When we call on God, He hears and saves us. 

Romans 8:38              Nothing and no one can separate us from God's love.

Share your decision with a friend.  Begin reading your Bible, starting with the Gospel of John. Pray continually because if it is important to you, it is important to your God.  Regularly attend a church that teaches the Bible.  Seek out those who will encourage you in your faith walk. And we would love to hear from you so we can celebrate the first step of your new life journey.  Email us!

Think back to past Christmas holidays.  Was Jesus the center of the celebration?  If not, what was the focus of each holiday celebration?  Evaluate past Christmases in light of your new faith.  If you are a Christian, evaluate past Christmases in light of its true meaning.  What changes will you make this year to have a joy-filled Christmas?

More From The Girlfriends
Right now, examine your heart and choose the setting of your holiday attitude.  Fix your heart and mind on joy and the celebration the birth of Jesus Christ.  Let everything else fall into place behind Him! 

Want to give a meaningful gift this Christmas?  Visit my online store to take advantage of our 48 Hour Holiday Sale ending today! Why not encourage a friend in their spiritual journey by giving a subscription to my weekly online bible study Light for the Journey?

I would love to hear from you, girlfriend. Connect with me through email or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/search/?init=quick&q=marysoutherland#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=100000491626601!

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]

December 4, 2009 

Merry Christmas ... or Not! 

Part 2 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you" (NIV).

Friend To Friend
Winston Churchill said, "We make a living through what we get, but we make a life through what we give."  The world would like us to believe that the success of Christmas depends upon how much we spend, how many presents we give or receive.  While Christmas is about giving, budgets do not determine the success of our Christmas giving.

Giving is not dependent on the condition of your checkbook.  Giving is dependent on the condition of the heart. Let me share some creative ways to give gifts that are straight from the heart. 

1.  A homemade gift

Giving something you make represents time and effort invested on the recipient's behalf.  Each year, we make hot chocolate for our neighbors, scoop it into decorated mason jars and deliver it to their doorstep.  The best part is ringing the doorbell and the running like crazy!  Our neighbors love it and it has become a fun family tradition.

2.  Possession gift

Give something you already have, something that is of special value to you.  Not your junk, but your treasure.  Don't ask the question, "What can I buy for Sally?"  Ask the question, "What do I have that would mean a lot to Sally?"  My pastor husband once mentioned in a sermon that he collects old Bibles.  The next Christmas, one of our church members gave him an old and cherished family Bible.  It is still one of Dan's most prized possessions.                 

3.  Gift of time

Time is a valuable gift because when we give thirty minutes of time, we are giving thirty minutes of life.  When Dan was in seminary, we were always short on time and money. When Christmas came, one of our friends handed us a Christmas card with his gift inside, a coupon good for one afternoon of babysitting each week for the whole year.  To this day, I still remember how thrilled I was when Scott handed us that card and showed up every week. That gift kept on giving all year long. Give a gift of time spent in prayer for a friend or an afternoon of errands run for an older friend.  Time is a precious gift. 

4.  Gift of encouragement.

Tell someone what they mean to you.  Write it down so they can read your encouraging words several times.  Writing it down can help you say it better and requires more time and thought.  You can also make a cassette tape of encouraging words and thoughts for those who can't see well or for that hurried mom who spends much of her life in a car. In my bible, I have several notes tucked as bookmarks for special verses; notes of encouragement that have keep me on my feet during difficult times.

5.  A blind gift

Give a gift to someone you don't even know; a gift that is given in Jesus' name, just because you love Him.  I recently read an article about a millionaire who sets aside large sums of money at Christmas.  Dressed in a disguise, he then walks the streets, pressing $100 bills into the hands of the needy.  "It makes my whole year," he says. 

6.  Secret gift           

Give a gift to someone you know without them knowing who gave it.  Give with no hidden motive and with no possible benefit to yourself.  Like most newlyweds, Dan and I were on an extremely tight budget during the first years of marriage.  At one point, we had no money for groceries, a fact we shared with no one but God.  We wanted to see what He would do.  Returning from church one Sunday night, we started up the steps to our mobile home.  There, on the sidewalk, was a brown package.  We hurriedly ripped off the paper to find a brick with two $100 bills taped to each side.  We still don't know who gave us that gift, but every time I think of them, I ask God to bless them for their secret gift.

This year, make this Christmas your best Christmas by receiving His gift of Love, by giving yourself to Him and by sharing His love with others.  Search for Him in every face.  Watch for Him throughout each day and may this be a joy-filled Christmas and the beginning of a joy-filled year!

Let's Pray
May "God grant the light in Christmas which is faith;  the warmth of Christmas, which is love;  the radiance of Christmas, which is purity;  the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice;  the belief in Christmas, which is truth;  the all of Christmas, which is Christ." 

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Choose two of the creative gifts listed above and give them this holiday season.

Think back over past Christmases.  What "creative gifts" have you received?  What "creative gifts" have you given?  What truths did you gain from receiving and giving these gifts?  What changes do you plan to make in the way you give and receive gifts this year?

Read and memorize John 3:16-18 as your Christmas prayer this year:

"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.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already be cause he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." John 3:16-18 (NIV)

More From The Girlfriends
I pray that you have taken some time to evaluate your heart attitude during this holiday season.  Remember, Christmas is not just one day on the calendar.  Christmas is the celebration of Jesus' birth every single day. 

Want to give a meaningful gift this Christmas?  Visit my online store to take advantage of our 48 Hour Holiday Sale ending today! Why not encourage a friend in their spiritual journey by giving a subscription to my weekly online bible study Light for the Journey?

I would love to hear from you, girlfriend. Connect with me through email or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/search/?init=quick&q=marysoutherland#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=100000491626601!

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]

December 7, 2009 

The Touch of the Master's Hand 

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well" (Psalm 139:13, 14 NIV).

Friend To Friend
Myra was a woman battered and scarred from severe arthritis. Her legs were held captive in a wheelchair, but her soul was forever free.  With one pencil in each crippled hand, she used the erasers to type words on her typewriter.  The joy of her efforts in typing the words outweighed the pain of creating them.

One day, when a friend was leaving Myra's home, she patted her wheelchair and said, "And I thank God for this!"  Prior to her wheelchair days, Myra's talent had been hidden like a treasure in the sand.  But after the crippling affect of arthritis confined her, the talent locked away freed her.  God used one of her most precious poems to show me our incredible worth.

The Touch of the Master's Hand

It was battered and scarred,
And the auctioneer thought it
Hardly worth his while
To waste his time on the old violin,
But he held it up with a smile.
"What am I bid, good people," he cried,
"Who starts the bidding for me?"
"One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?"
"Two dollars, who makes it three?"
"Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three."
But, No,
From the room far back a grey haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow.
Then wiping the dust from the old violin
And tightening up the strings,
He played a melody, pure and sweet,
As sweet as the angel sings.
The music ceased and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet low,
Said, "What now am I bid for this old violin?"
As he held it aloft with its' bow.
"One thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?"
"Two thousand, who makes it three?"
"Three thousand once, three thousand twice,
Going and gone," said he.
The audience cheered,
But some of them cried,
"We just don't understand."
"What changed its' worth?
Swift came the reply
"The Touch of the Master's Hand."
And many a man with life out of tune,
All battered with bourbon and gin,
Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd
Much like that old violin.
A mess of pottage, a glass of wine
A game and he travels on.
He is gong once, he is going twice,
He is going and almost gone.
But the Master comes,
And the foolish crowd never can quite understand,
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought
By the Touch of the Master's Hand
-Myra Brooks Welch

Let's Pray
Heavenly Father, my Creator, my life is much like that old violin.  It may not look like much to most, but because of the touch of the Master's hands, I have great worth.  Thank You for touching my life.  Please use my hands today to give others a special touch from You.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Go back and read the words to Myra's song.  How is your life much like the old violin?

Have you ever looked at another person and viewed them as worn out, broken or worthless?  Be honest.

What would God say about such a person?

Perhaps you know someone who feels worthless.  Today, consider speaking a word of encouragement to let them know just how precious they are to God.

I'd love to know what you think of Myra's poem.  Let's chat www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes or www.sharonjaynes.com/blog

More from the Girlfriends
If you would like to learn more about your true worth and begin seeing yourself as God sees you - as a chosen, holy, dearly loved child of the King - then check out Sharon's book, I'm Not Good Enough...and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves.   

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


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

[Judy Harder]

December 8, 2009 

God Make You Mighty, Girlfriends! 

Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.  For today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11 NIV).

Friend To Friend
The Family Life Today show on my local Christian radio station once featured an author named Ace Collins who wrote a historical book about Christmas carols.  One traditional carol they talked about was the song, "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen." 

Before that day, the first line of that song never made sense to me.  The title, "God rest ye, merry gentlemen," seemed too old-school-English to embrace.  Was it encouraging us to sleep happily?  I just didn't get it.  But, I'm excited to share with you that the scales have fallen from my eyes!  What I learned about this song is really cool, and I think you are going to find it fascinating as well...

Ace explained to the listeners that he had dug through a bunch of English text from the 1500 and 1600s.  One of the first things he learned about this carol was that the comma in our modern day version is actually misplaced in the title.  It's not "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen."  It's supposed to read, "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen." While that information alone might not seem to make a difference, this next bit of information will bring the main point home.  His research revealed that back in the day this song was written, the word "rest" actually meant "make" or "keep."   And the word "merry" actually meant "mighty" or "great."

So...if we put that all together - in a modern translation - it should sing:

"God make you mighty, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay. 
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day;
To save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy."

If you would allow me the freedom, I'd like to translate this even further. Call it the Girlfriends In God Revised Edition.  This is powerful: 

"God make you mighty, girlfriend!  Do not be upset, discouraged, or frightened!
Jesus came to earth to take on our brokenness and sin so that we could be made beautiful and whole in Him!  This is great news, which should bring you comfort and joy!  Rejoice!"


Have a mighty Christmas!  Have a powerful Christmas!  Our hope is alive because 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ left His throne in heaven, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, suffered and died for our sin, and defeated death in resurrection.  This is surely "good news of great joy!" (Luke 2:10). 

Celebrate Christmas this year in His strength, in His peace, and in His joy.  God make you mighty, girlfriend!

Let's Pray
Lord, You are mighty and powerful.  No matter what I face, I want to walk in Your might instead of my weakness.  Help me to remember that Your Word says: "Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). 

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What do you need to be mighty in this Christmas season?  Forgiveness?  Grace?  Understanding?  Patience? 

Is there something that is causing you to be fearful, discouraged, or upset?  Pray about it right now and ask God for His strength to consume your weakness.

More From The Girlfriends
From my heart to yours, may you have a blessed December and a mighty, merry Christmas!  Be safe in your travels, quick to forgive, and generous in love. 

NEED ENCOURAGEMENT and INSPIRATION?  Order Gwen's book, Broken Into Beautiful today.

LOVE TO WORSHIP? 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]

December 9, 2009

Don't Miss Christmas!
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
John 3:16 (NIV) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son."

Friend To Friend
The Christmas rush is on!  I know many of you are frantically searching for that perfect gift for someone special, wrapping presents, baking your famous sugar cookies or fudge, packing the car for a long trip and wrestling with overly excited children.  Ho!  Ho!  Ho!

Right now - right where you are - stop.  Take a deep breath and travel back with me to a time when there was no hope and no celebration, to the time before Christ was born.  I simply cannot imagine a world without Jesus and yet I often live my life as if He does not even exist.  A trial comes and I try to handle it on my own.  Loneliness floods my heart and instead of reaching out to Him, I withdraw into the darkness.  Financial stress gives birth to worry, filling my mind with doubt and the proverbial question, "What if ...? Instead of turning to God, my source, I settle for a human answer when what I really need is a supernatural solution from our extraordinary God!

When I do cry out to God, He lovingly fills each black corner with Light.  His love flows over the pain like a soothing balm and once again, I experience the manger. Once again, He steps into the smelly, unlikely and very ordinary existence that is mine to change everything.  Yes, the presence of Jesus Christ changes everything!  He could have come to us in many ways but He chose to interrupt the very ordinary with the most extraordinary!  He could have chosen to be born in a palace.  After all, He was a King. Yet His life on earth began in a manger - a dirty, smelly barn.  The simplicity of His birth is one of His most precious gifts to me and one of my most profound life lessons.  I often wish that I had been there that holy night when Jesus was born but then He reminds me that I have my own manger, my own holy moment when God became a reality to me, and I worship Him for all He has done in my life since I met Him.

Every year I am reminded of the very heart of Christmas - Emanuel, God with us.  God wants to be involved in the simple, ordinary happenings of daily life:  where we go - what we do - the smile we give the harried stranger - the patience we wear in the crowd of impatient shoppers - the love that prompts the secret gift - the heart that constantly celebrates His birth through every sparkling light, every beautifully wrapped gift, each special meal, every card, phone call and visit. 

Join me in this quest - to celebrate Him and His birth in everything we do.   Have a birthday party for Jesus!  Adopt a family in need!  Reach out to the lonely! Look for Him in the crowd!  Emanuel, God with us!  Wow!     

Let's Pray
Father, today I celebrate the reality of Your presence in my life.  I celebrate Your birth, Your life, Your death and Your resurrection.  And as I celebrate, Lord, help me to be "God with skin on" to those in need around me.  Open my eyes and let me see them as You see them!  I love You!  Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Now It's Your Turn
Put your faith in action by making a step-by-step plan to keep Jesus at the heart of your Christmas season.  Give a gift to someone you don't know. 

Invite a needy family into your home for a special "Friends" dinner. 

Go through your closet and give the clothes you don't wear to those who have no clothes. 

More From The Girlfriends
The holidays are really hard for many people, especially those who regularly struggle with clinical depression. I know. I am one of those people. I have a free MP3 "Celebrate Life" download for you or for someone you love who battles the darkness.  Just email me: mary@marysoutherland.com and put "Free MP3" in the subject line. We will get it to you immediately!  You may also be interested in my book, Hope in the Midst of Depression. It is my story of God's deliverance from the pit of darkness and His plan for staying out of that pit. It is on SPECIAL SALE today ... just for you GIGS.

Need help in developing the habit of a daily time in the Word of God and in prayer?  We all do, friend!  Mary's weekly online bible study, Light for the Journey, may be the solution for you.  Join now and have access to a special series, Are You Ready for the Holidays as well as all of the 2009 studies! Then take a look at the topics for 2010.  Remember, God's Word is the secret to a life of victory and power!

You can also now connect with Mary on Facebook!

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


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