Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

February 4, 2010 

The Lord is My Shepherd 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
John 10:11 (NIV) "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." 

Friend To Friend
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, deserted island. He prayed fervently for God to rescue him.  Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none came.  Exhausted, he eventually built a small hut out of driftwood as a shelter and a place to store his few remaining 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, he cried, "God, how you could do this to me!" Early the next day, however, he was awakened by 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. 

God is always at work in our lives, even during the most stress-filled moments.  When we entrust everything we are and everything we have to God, when we depend upon his truth instead of our own understanding and choose to walk in obedience, God promises to "make our paths straight" (Proverbs 3:6 NLT). No matter how deep the valley, we can count on God for direction. In Proverbs 3:6, "make straight" means "to do right, to make smooth or to be evenly hammered".  I love that truth!  I can almost see my Father going before me, the hammer of truth in his hand, flattening every fear-filled obstacle, hammering down every mountain of doubt before me so that, when he has made a way, I can cross over. He straightens out the crooked paths, improving my behavior and causing me to do the "right" things.

Valleys are best faced with a total abandonment to the Shepherd of the valley.  How many times have we danced with joy on the mountain top then moaned and complained in the valley? God is Lord of the mountain and the valley. I suspect that the most powerful life is lived in the valley - not on the mountain top. Every valley is surrounded by mountains and every valley has a shepherd, a shepherd who will walk with us through the valley, a shepherd who will go before us, leading us out of the valley. When the psalmist wrote these words, he wrote my life message, "I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand."  (Psalm 40:1-2 NIV) 

As a young pastor's wife, I desperately needed help. Grace Chavis, a gifted author and speaker, stepped into my life and was a friend and mentor to me for many years.  I will never forget the day I heard she had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. I picked up the phone to call this precious lady, expecting to offer words of comfort and faith.  The person who answered the phone could not possibly be Grace!  She sounded ecstatic!  But it was Grace! I sputtered, "Grace, I must have misunderstood a message I received today saying you had been diagnosed with terminal cancer!"  A laugh of pure joy rang in my ears as she said, "Yes! That's right!  I am a little out of breath because I am here in my living room, dancing before Jesus and singing, "I'll be with you soon!"  I have to tell you that her response blew me away and to this day still challenges my faith.  Talk about trust!

No matter where you are today, your Father is there. No matter how deep or long the valley, he is with you, waiting for you to surrender all. Give him your valley, knowing that he will surely lead you out. God has ordained that valley as an altar of sacrifice, an opportunity for him to work through your broken heart and life.  Keep your glance on the valley and your gaze on the Shepherd. Begin praising him for your deliverance.  It will surely come.                 

Let's Pray
Father God, my Shepherd.  I feel like a lost sheep, a broken lamb.  I am desperate for You.  I confess that I don't always understand how You work, and tend to doubt You in those times.  But I want to trust You as a sheep trusts its shepherd.  By faith, I come to You, placing my life in Your hands in total surrender.  Thank You for loving me just as I am. 

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What valley are you facing today?

What is your biggest fear or concern about this valley?

In what way(s) are you like a sheep in this valley?

What do you believe God can and will do to help you navigate this valley?

Read, meditate on and memorize Psalm 40:1-3:

"I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD" (NIV).

More From The Girls
Been there?  At the bottom of a valley?  Surrounded by mountains?  As Jodi, my daughter-in-law, would say, "No worries!"  It is a common expression of hers and always reminds me that as long as God is God ... I really don't have any worries. I know that is easy to say and hard to do. Let's challenge each other to live as women who wholly trust God.  Amen!

Looking for more Bible study?  Join hundreds of women from across the world enrolled in my online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. 

Need help dealing with stress?  Check out my book, Escaping the Stress Trap, and discover the powerful truths that Psalm 23 offers for stress management.  Blessings.

We can also connect through e-mail or on Facebook! I would love to hear what God has taught you about dealing with stress.

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]

February 5, 2010 

The Worship of Giving 

Gwen Smith

Today's Truth

Acts 4:32 (NIV) "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had."

Friend To Friend

"What's yours is mine, and what's mine is mine." My husband Brad and I used to joke that this was the unspoken motto of our kids when they were little. Toddlers have no qualms about grabbing a toy, snack, or any random item of interest from other people or pets. It's rare to see a child share her cherished possessions generously.

It can be hard for you and me to share too. Today's media bombards us with marketing campaigns that tell us we are the center of the universe. "You, you, you, you, you!" Time and time again we hear that this life is all about us. The more we have, the happier we'll be. The bigger that bank account, the more blessed the life. I sincerely hope that none of us actually buy these lies. They're dangerous deceptions.

We all have a sharing problem to some degree, don't we? Sometimes we don't want to share our time or our space. Sometimes we don't want to share our loved ones or our gifts. Sometimes we don't want to share our resources. Sometimes we just want to be left to ourselves and don't want to share anything!

God calls each of us to share. The early New Testament church shows us that generous living honors God and blesses others. In Acts 4:32-37; we see an amazing snapshot of generous giving in the early church. The believers were one in heart and mind. They were supernaturally unified to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and you could not find a needy person among them. What a model!

Giving wasn't political. It wasn't mandatory. It wasn't done begrudgingly. 

"...They shared everything they had." (Acts 4:32)

"The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul." (Acts 11:29-30)

"But just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us - see that you also excel in this grace of giving...For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have." (I Corinthians 8:7,12)

The resources of the believers were God's, and they knew it. They placed what they had before the leaders in selfless acts of worship...for the glory of God and the provision of others. This principle is very important, but it's also very counter-cultural.

The Bible clearly reveals that true life, a blessed life, an abundant life, a purposed life, is, in fact, all about God. What we have, have given birth to, or hold onto is really not our own.  It's just on loan to us for a breath of a moment by our more-than-generous Creator. Each day brings us new opportunities to be good stewards.

Let's face it; it's just not always easy or natural to be generous. Perhaps we have been taken advantage of or we've been hurt by another's deception. There are risks to giving.

The generous giving of the early church blessed the lives of their people. When we share what we have, God is honored and needs are met. The risks are worth taking.

I'm not suggesting a Robin Hood philosophy of "take from the rich and give to the poor." And I don't believe in the politics of communism or socialism. This principle of generous giving is Biblical. It's an act of worship to God. It matters to God, and it should matter to us.

We need to reject the toddler mentality of "what's mine is mine." God loves a cheerful giver. We are blessed to give. Tell God today: "Lord, what's mine is Yours. Use it for Your glory!"

Let's Pray

Dear Lord, thank You for this reminder from Your Word. You are amazingly lavish in Your love for me, and You have given me so much. All I have is Yours. Please help me to excel in the grace and worship of giving. Open my eyes to opportunities to bless others for Your glory.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn

How do you feel about your possessions?

Have you shared generously lately?

Is God bringing anyone to your mind that could use your help or generosity?

Read and meditate on 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

More From The Girlfriends

Hey friend. I know that this is a sensitive subject to some of you. Maybe your husband won't tithe. Perhaps you don't even know how you will pay your rent this month. God knows your heart. He loves you greatly. Remember, giving isn't always about money. We can give in many ways; service, an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a dinner to a new mom, or time spent with an elderly friend. Now...go bless someone today!!

NEED HEALING for some heart wounds?  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.

TELL ME A STORY of how someone's generosity has changed or touched your life. (Post the message on my Facebook wall...and please keep the story to 100 words or less.) I will post a few of my favorites on my blog next week.

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]

February 8, 2010 

A Husband's Prayer Warrior 

Sharon Jaynes 


(In honor of Valentine's Day, Sharon's devotions will focus on marriage during the month of February.)

Today's Truth
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12 NIV).

Friend To Friend
Of all the roles and responsibilities that God has given wives, the position of a prayer warrior or intercessor is perhaps the greatest of all.  An intercessor is a person who intervenes or prays for another person. It was derived from the Greek word, enteuxis, which means to go before a King with a petition or plea on behalf of someone else.  In essence, it means the same thing today.  We go before the King of Kings with a petition or plea on someone's behalf. What we accomplish on our knees in the invisible realm will ultimately affect the strength of our marriage in the visible realm.  There is no other person who is more called or more qualified to pray for your man than you.

In the Bible, God describes the marriage of a man and a woman as a visual example of the spiritual union between Jesus Christ and the church (all Christians).  Believers are called "the bride of Christ" (Revelation 19:7).  We are walking, talking, earthly examples of the heavenly relationship between God's Son and those who believe on His name.  God instructs men, "Love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25).

There is someone who wants to destroy that living example, and his name is Satan. Jesus said, "The thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill, and destroy" (John 10:10). He desires to destroy the God-ordained and designed institution of marriage.  He began with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and continues his destructive tactics even today.  Satan is not very creative, but he's very effective, and he uses the same temptations and tactics today that he used in the first marriage on earth. Satan has proclaimed an all out assault on the family and he begins at the top - with the husband and wife.

So many times we fail to see the real enemy in our marital struggles.  The writer of Ephesians explains, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).  When I am having a conflict with my husband, I need to stop, take a deep breath, and think...who is the real enemy here? There is a spiritual battle raging all around us that we can't even see, but is very real.  It is the greater reality.  It is a battle that is not to be feared, but one that is to be recognized and fought in the only place where it can be won - in prayer.

Let's Pray:
Dear Lord, I pray for my husband, from head to toe.

His Head -That he will look to You as Lord of his life. (1 Corinthians 11:13)
His Mind ­­- That he will have the mind of Christ and think as the Holy Spirit would lead him and not the flesh. (1 Corinthians 2:16)
His Eyes -That You will keep his eyes from temptation and that he will turn his eyes from sin. (Matthew 6:13, Mark 9:47)
His Ears - That he will hear Your still small voice instructing him. (1 Kings 19:12, Psalm 32:
His Mouth - That his words will be pleasing to You. (Proverbs 19:14)
His Neck -That he will humble himself before You and be strong, courageous, and careful to do everything written in Your Word so that he will be prosperous and successful. (James 4:10, Joshua 1:8-9)
His Heart-That he will love and trust You with his whole heart. (Deuteronomy 6:5, Proverbs 3:5)
His Arms-That You will be his strength. (Psalm 73:26) 
His Hands-That he will enjoy the work of his hands and see it as a gift from You. (Ecclesiastes 3:13, 5:19)
His feet - That You will order his steps and that he will walk in Your truth. (Proverbs 4:25, Psalm 26:3)

Now It's Your Turn 

Consider asking your husband for some specific ways that you can pray for him today.

Look up each of the Scripture references above and make the prayer for your husband specific to his particular needs.

Find one friend with whom you can pray for your marriage.  Commit to pray for each other's marriage on a regular basis.

I'd love to hear how you pray for your husband.  Please visit my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes and share how you pray for your husband.

More From The Girlfriends
Praying for your husband is one of your most important roles as a wife.  If you would like a more comprehensive list of Scriptural prayers to pray for your husband (over 100), you can find them in Becoming the Woman of His Dreams by Sharon Jaynes.  Also, Sharon has the prayer above laminated on a prayer card that can be tucked in your Bible for easy reference.  Just log onto http://www.sharonjaynes.com/ and click on books and audio.

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]

February 9, 2010 

Harnessing our Anger 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Proverbs 19:11 "People with good sense restrain their anger."

Friend To Friend
I once heard it said that small pots boil over quickly and so do small people. Ouch! I don't want to be a small person known for her quick temper but I need help with harnessing my anger. The life of Nehemiah gives us a wonderful example of how to control and deal with anger.  Nehemiah had come back to Jerusalem from a high position in the court.  He had come to supervise the rebuilding of the Jerusalem walls.  A delegation of Hebrews had come with him, hoping to make a profit and proceeded to take advantage of the poor by enslaving widows and children and by taking the property of people who were sick and unable to defend themselves.  Nehemiah was furious but still models for us the right way to deal with anger.

Nehemiah 5:6-7 "When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry.  I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials.  So I called together a large meeting to deal with them."

In this passage, we find four ways to deal with anger.

Admit anger.

We must be honest about our anger, which can be a problem if we don't like to admit we are angry.  We have convinced ourselves that if we deny our anger, we don't have to deal with it.  Consequently, we disguise anger by wrapping it in sarcasm, gossip, criticism, complaining, silence or aggression.  It simmers on a back burner until one day, it explodes all over our life and we wonder where in the world that came from.  To deal with our anger, we must be willing to say the words, "I am very angry!"  That's emotional integrity and pleases God.  1 Chronicles 29:17 applauds transparency when it says, "I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there".  We must be real in order to be right.  When you are angry, be honest enough to admit it.

Postpone anger.

Proverbs 29:11 "A stupid man gives free rein to his anger; a wise man waits and lets it grow cool."

To "cool it" is a spiritual exercise.  When our daughter was about six-years-old, she and I were engaged in a battle of wills.  I wanted her to go to sleep but she had other plans for the evening, none of which included sleep.  When she figured out that I was not going to give in, Danna stomped to her room in a fit of fury.  In a few minutes, I went in to make peace.  I opened the door to see her sitting on the bed, arms crossed, teeth clinched and eyes flashing!  "Danna, let's talk about this", I said.  To which she responded, "Mama, I can't talk right now.  My mad is too big!"

When Jesus saw the money changers in His Father's temple, He was angry but He stopped - stepped over to the side and began braiding a whip. Now, it was not because He had taken "Whip Braiding 101."  Jesus was "cooling it" because His mad was too big. Then with harnessed anger, Jesus drove the money changes out.  In other words, the longer you hold your temper, the more it improves.  As Paul Harvey would say, "Join me tomorrow for the rest of the story" as we explore two more ways to harness anger.

Let's Pray
Father, I confess to You that I have failed in the ways I have been dealing with my anger.  But I want to do it Your way from now on.  Fill my life with Your peace.  And when I am angry, Lord, please guide me and empower me to walk in obedience. 

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Memorize and meditate on the following verses.  Make them a part of your arsenal in the battle to deal with anger: 


Proverbs 25:28 "Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit." 

Proverbs 14:16b "A fool is hotheaded and reckless." 

Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up." 

Ephesians 4:31 "Do not be bitter or angry or mad.  Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others."

More From The Girlfriends
Every one of us deals with anger on a daily basis.  The problem is that we deal with it in the wrong way.  I want to be like Nehemiah and please God by dealing with anger His way.  I know you want the same thing.   

One of the most powerful tools in dealing with emotions - especially anger - is the Word of God.  Reading and studying the Bible will equip you to harness anger and use its power for good in your life.  Need help? Enroll in my online Bible study, Light for the Journey, and join hundreds of women from across the world as we study the Bible.

Struggling with depression?  I have been there, friend, and if God can deliver me, He can and will deliver you. Read how God brought me out of the pit in my book, Hope in the Midst of Depression, and be encouraged.

We can also connect through e-mail or on Facebook! I would love to hear how you harness the anger in your life!  Let's talk!

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]

February 10, 2010 

Harnessing Your Anger - part 2 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Proverbs 19:11 "People with good sense restrain their anger."

Friend To Friend
Just about the time I think I have learned to control anger, I am blindsided by a critical word or a hurtful comment and discover that the capacity to explode in anger is still present in my life - but so is the power of God and that makes the impossible possible.  On my own, I could not possibly control my emotions but through the power of the Holy Spirit, I can. God created us with the capacity for strong emotions but He also gave us boundaries for controlling those emotions instead of allowing them to control us.

Yesterday, we talked about Nehemiah and how his life beautifully models the choices we must make in controlling and harnessing anger.  First, we must admit our anger because emotional integrity begins at the point of emotional transparency and authenticity. Be honest about the fact that you are angry and then learn to control and harness that emotional power.

Proverbs 29:11 is very clear when it says, "A stupid man gives free rein to his anger; a wise man waits and lets it grow cool." Sometimes the first step in dealing with anger is to postpone it for a time - until you can make the right decision about the next step. In other words, learn to "cool it."

Dismiss your anger.

James 1:19-21 "Do not become angry easily, because anger will not help you live the right kind of life God wants.  So put out of your life every evil thing and every kind of wrong."

When anger strikes, we need to stop and ask ourselves some important questions:


·         Why am I really angry?   

·         Is it important? 

·         Will it matter in a year? 

·         What action do I need to take?

And sometimes, we should simply dismiss our anger.

Proverbs 19:11 "A wise person is patient. He will be honored if he ignores a wrong done against him".

Maturity is the ability to overlook a hurt, to dismiss anger.  Our children went through a stretch when everything Danna did irritated her brother.  Jered has a big temper and God was using Danna to teach him how to control it.  One day, when Jered was very frustrated and on the edge of losing it, I took him aside and said, "You have a choice.  You can be angry and frustrated every time your sister does something that you don't like, or you can choose to throw your anger away! We came up with the "mad board", a piece of wood with nails driven in half-way.  We then told Jered that when he got angry, he could go to the garage - hammer the nails all the way into the board and then throw the board away. We all need "anger boards" of some kind.  Pray, meditate on a verse about anger, count to ten, make good use of a punching bag, take a long walk or a cold shower.  You get the idea!  Some anger should simply be dismissed as unworthy to occupy space in our lives.

Resolve your anger.

1 Peter 3:8 "All of you should live together in peace."

When we can't dismiss our anger because it is attached to an important issue, we have to resolve it.  We postpone anger for a short time only to decide if we need to dismiss it or resolve it.

Ephesians 4:26-27 "When you are angry, do not sin, and be sure to stop being angry before the end of the day.  Do not give the devil a way to defeat you."

We must deal with anger on a daily basis.  When we hold on to anger, it hardens, settling into our soul and taking root as bitterness.  Satan loves bitterness, making it a dwelling place from which he dispenses defeat.  When we hold on to anger, it becomes an open door for other sins to rush in.  Shut that door by learning to deal with and harness your anger.

Let's Pray
Father, it is so easy to let my emotions spiral out of control. I do not want to live life that way. I want to honor You with my emotional responses. I want others to see You when my emotional buttons are pushed. Examine my heart, Lord, and show me any anger there. Please help me to be honest about that anger and be committed to resolving it in a way that pleases You. Today, I surrender my emotions to Your control.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Take an emotional inventory. Is there unresolved anger in your life? Today is the day to deal with it.  Identify that anger right now and follow the four steps we have talked about to deal with it.


Admit 
Postpone 
Dismiss 
Resolve 

Make a commitment and choice to submit every emotion to God's control. 

Instead of trusting your emotions, trust the Word of God. Read and memorize the verses of Scripture from these two devotions on harnessing anger. Record each verse in your journal. 

More From The Girlfriends
I pray that these two devotions have given you at least one new truth about dealing with anger. Now take that truth and apply it to your life. Let's pray for each other - to become women who, through the power of God, can harness their anger and use it for good. 

One of the most powerful tools in dealing with emotions - especially anger - is the Word of God.  Reading and studying the Bible will equip you to harness anger and use its power for good in your life.  Need help? Enroll in my online Bible study, Light for the Journey, and join hundreds of women from across the world as we study the Bible.

Struggling with depression?  I have been there, friend, and if God can deliver me, He can and will deliver you. Read how God brought me out of the pit in my book, Hope in the Midst of Depression, and be encouraged.

We can also connect through e-mail or on Facebook! I would love to hear how you harness the anger in your life!  Let's talk!

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]

February 10, 2010 

Filled to the Brim 

Sharon Jaynes 


(In honor of Valentine's Day, Sharon's February devotions will focus on marriage.)

Today's Truth
"Jesus said to the servants, 'Fill the jars with water'; so they filled them to the brim" (John 2:7 NIV).


Friend To Friend
Shortly after Jesus was baptized, he attended a wedding reception in the town of Cana, in Galilee.  Apparently Jesus felt very comfortable at such a party, and I imagine Him laughing, mingling, and having a good time with His friends.  On the third day of the festivities, Mary, Jesus' mother, noticed that they were running out of wine. For a host to run out of wine at a Jewish wedding celebration was an embarrassment and disgrace. Leave it to a woman to notice the party details.  Leave it to a woman to know where to go for help.

Mary turned to her son and said, "They have no more wine," (John 2:3 NIV) as if she expected Him to do something about it.  I can almost see her raised eyebrow and the mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Jesus said, "Dear woman, why do you involve me? My time has not yet come" (John 2:4).

Mary turned to the servants and said, "Do whatever He tells you."  Mary seemed to understand Jesus' power before anyone else.

Jesus told the servants to fill six large thirty gallon stone pots with water. So they filled them "to the brim."  Then He told them to draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.

One of the servants dipped his ladle into the jar and poured rich aromatic red wine into a goblet.  I imagine he couldn't keep his eyes off of the miracle he held in his hands.  Reverently the servant passed the cup to the master of ceremonies.

The master then called out to the bridegroom and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."

I often wonder what would have happened if the servants had filled the pots half full or three fourths full.  I imagine Jesus would have transformed exactly what they put in.  Likewise, God will transform just as much of our lives as we give Him.  As for me, I want to "fill it to the brim," give Him all of my life - every bit of it.  It is the same with my marriage.  I want to give Jesus all of my marriage...to the brim.  So in our winter years, my husband and I will agree...we have saved the best till now.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I pray that I will be like the servants who did exactly what you told them to do.  My desire is to obey you fully...to the brim.  Help me not to hold back anything but give You all of me so that you can transform me totally.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
How much of your marriage do you want Jesus to transform?  How much of your marriage have you given Him?

How much of your attitude do you want Jesus to transform?  How much of your attitude have you given Him?

How much of your __________ do you want Jesus to transform? (You fill in the blank.)  How much have you given Him?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.  Please visit my blog at www.sharonjaynes.com/blog or facebook page at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes to share your comments.

More From The Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Becoming the Woman of His Dreams: Seven Qualities Every Man Longs For.  If there is one area of our lives that we need to give totally to Christ, it is our marriage.  Perhaps that's why Jesus' first miracle was at a wedding.  To learn more about how to have an incredible marriage, visit www.sharonjaynes.com and follow the links to read an excerpt or watch a video of Sharon's book.

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]

February 12, 2010 

Envy - Wrecking 

Rhonda Rhea 


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",
Rhonda Rhea.

Today's Truth
Psalm 37:8 (NLT) "Do not envy others--it only leads to harm."

Friend To Friend
I have a friend who looks good in absolutely everything she puts on. Argh! The girl could drape herself in the cover of her car and look classy enough for the fashion runway. If I draped myself in a car cover, I guarantee I would look more like a Buick. And I'll just go ahead and admit that I need to drop a few pounds off these fenders. My bumpers are a bit of a wreck, too.

Envy is such a dangerous thing. It throttles peace--and worse, it leads to anger, even rage. Psalm 37:8 says, "Stop your anger! Turn from your rage! Do not envy others--it only leads to harm." (NLT) The envious, angry person experiences painful harm personally. Proverbs 14:30 tells us that, "...envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones." (AMP) Our own personal rottenness. It can be a total life-wrecker but it's even more than just personal rottenness. That harmful, rotten disposition often spreads, spilling over onto family and friends.

How do we avoid bone-rotting envy and wrath? We replace them with love. 1 Corinthians 13:4 tells us that "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy..." (NIV) Love is the opposite of envy.

Anytime we catch ourselves envying, we can ask God to love the person we envy through us. He loves to answer that prayer. As he gives us love for the ones we're tempted to envy, we discover that love, just as 1 Corinthians teaches, always wants the very best for others. Instead of envying, love rejoices in their victories!

Rejoicing in victory; that's the Jesus way. Yes, rejoicing in the victories of others ... even if those others have exceptionally sleek fenders.

Let's Pray
Oh Father, please show me every area of sneaky, rotten jealousy and envy that might be hiding in my heart. I'm depending on You to help me tear down those sinful, envious places by Your power. Give me Your amazing grace and please help me show that grace to others. May I, by Your love, mature to the place where I can rejoice in every good thing that comes to those I meet, knowing that good things come from You.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Is there anyone who seems to have it all together in every aspect of her life? Is there someone who seems to always succeed in areas where you struggle? Are there times when you would find pleasure in seeing her fail?

Confess that sin of envy and ask the Lord to replace it with his love. Understand that he longs to answer that prayer.

Practice rejoicing for that person in her every success, and pray every day this week for God to bless her in new and special ways.

More From The Girlfriends
As you're praying daily for the success of the person you're tempted to envy, don't you just love it when you find God doing an incredible work in your heart? You may actually find yourself wanting the very best for slender-fender girl. Who would've thought it? I just love it when our gracious God works like that!

For more topics like this, check out High Heels in High Places: Walking Worthy in Way Cute Shoes and other books by Rhonda Rhea.

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]

February 15, 2010 

No More Nagging 

Sharon Jaynes 

(In honor of Valentine's Day, Sharon's February devotions are focused on marriage.)

Today's Truth
James 5:16 (TNIV) "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

Friend To Friend
There are some verses in the Bible that I wish God had just left out.  Here are a few:   


"A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping" (Proverbs 19:13).
"A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day; restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand" (Proverbs 27:15, 16).
"Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife" (Proverbs 21:19).
"Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife" (Proverbs 25:24). 
OK, that's about all I can take right now.  When I wrote the book, Becoming the Woman of His Dreams, I surveyed and interviewed men about what they longed for in a wife.  One thing that men repeatedly mentioned was their aversion to nagging.  Drip, drip, drip. Webster defines nagging as to scold or find fault with repeatedly, to cause annoyance by scolding or repetition.  Interestingly, a nag is also an inferior or aged horse.  The best remedy to cure ourselves from being a nagging wife is to become a praying wife.  Jesus invites us to stop nagging our husbands and begin nagging God!

Here's what Jesus had to say:

Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, `Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.' 

"Then the one inside answers, `Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. 

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened" (Luke 11:5-9).

In the Greek, the original language of the New Testament, the words ask, seek, and knock are present participle verbs.  That means that the more accurate translation would read, ask and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking, knock and keep on knocking.  God invites us to be persistent in our prayers for our husbands.  We can give our worries and cares to God and leave it up to Him to do the rest. "Cast all your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you" (Psalms 55:22).  "Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).  Remember, you don't want to be your husband's mother...you want to be the wife of his dreams. 

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I confess that sometimes I nag my husband ... alright, maybe more than sometimes.  But Lord, I am determining in my heart to stop nagging my husband and start being consistent and persistent in prayer.  My husband is Your workmanship, not mine.  Forgive me when I try to yank the paint brush from Your hand and create brushstrokes of my own.  I pray that I can be the woman that he needs in order for him to become the man that You desire.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What do you think a nag sounds like?

Do you ever nag your husband? I know that is a silly question, but answer it any way.  Confession is good for the soul J

If there are things that you tend to nag your husband about, try this.  Write them down on a piece of paper, turn the list over to God, and then turn off the leaky faucet.  Give it a try.  You might be surprised!

I'd love to hear how God has used prayer in your marriage.  Visit my Facebook page and let's chat.  While you're there sign up! www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes

More From The Girlfriends
Nagging just seems to come natural for most of us girls.  But God calls us to live super-naturally.  For more on how to be the woman of your man's dreams, you'll want your own copy of Sharon's book, Becoming the Woman of His Dreams: Seven Qualities Every Man Longs For. Visit her website to read an excerpt.

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]

February 16, 2010 

A Psalm 23 Life 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV) "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

Friend To Friend
As I drove home from a busy day of running errands, my thoughts drifted to the absurd schedule through which I had hurled myself that day. It was a schedule without margins or boundaries, every moment assigned to something or someone. My stress level grew with every task, threatening to overwhelm my heart and soul in a torrential downpour of anxiety and tension. I couldn't wait to get home, change into my comfort clothes of sweatshirt and jeans and sink into solitude and rest. But stress was waiting to greet me, just inside my front door. Children needed clean clothes, hot food, transportation to various events, help with homework and a listening ear. My husband had experienced the same kind of chaotic day I had and was in desperate need of peace and quiet for his frazzled soul. Ah, life!

Stress is a familiar and faithful companion, an unavoidable part of life.  It doesn't matter where we work or live, whether we are married or single; have no children or dozens of them, are filthy rich or dirt poor. We will encounter stress as we strive to honor God by becoming His fully devoted followers.  Unless we learn how to manage stress - God's way - we will become a sitting duck for the enemy. 

Stress management is a spiritual discipline. The truth of Psalm 23:1 is the starting place for dealing with stress. Life begins here - in a vital, personal relationship with the living, peace giving God. It is very frustrating to try living the Christian life when you are not one. I know. For years, I tried desperately to be a Christian, saved by knowledge and good works.  It simply cannot be done. To know who we are, we must understand whose we are. 

I grew up in a Christian home, attending church every time the doors were open.  I sang all the right songs, spoke all the right words and did all the right things. I prayed that my works would validate my faith and desperately hoped that by following the rules I would please the Ruler. It was not until middle school that the authentic life and spiritual integrity of a dynamic youth pastor made me hunger and thirst for God.  During a Saturday evening worship service, I sat in a church pew, wrestling with God over my soul.  After all, I was a very active church member, a soloist and pianist in worship services, and even directed a children's choir.  I argued that I knew all about God - and then it hit me. Yes, I knew about Him but I did not know Him. That night we met.  I surrendered all I knew about myself to all I knew about Him.  The course of my life was re-set and I was changed forever. 

Over the years, there have been times when sin has hindered my relationship with God - but it has not and cannot sever that relationship.  Nothing can separate us from His love.  However, when we cherish and harbor sin, life inevitably spirals into a swirling cesspool of chaos where stress reigns and self-doubt flourishes.  What a powerful promise found in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sin, He is faithful to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness".  Every time I read that verse, I am amazed by the hope it conveys.  When we confess sin, God not only forgives that sin but removes the stain it leaves behind.  The stain of sin is one of Satan's favorite weapons.  With it, he births guilt and shame, crippling us spiritually.  When we buy into those lies, allowing them free reign, we are telling God that sending His son to die on the cross was not enough.  I cannot even imagine what it must do to His heart, as He watches His children settle for so little when He offers so much.  Knowing whose we are empowers us to live and serve from His love - not to it - and is the first key in dealing with stress.

I have spent a great deal of my life wondering who and what I am.  Much of my stress and frustration could have been avoided by understanding that my identity can only be found in a personal relationship with God... I am His sheep and He is my Shepherd. That knowledge frees me - to be me.  Knowing whose we are brings peace and settles our souls. 

Today, sit at His feet.  Allow Him to draw you into His arms.  Listen to His heart and voice.  And you will know that you belong to Him.  Nothing else matters. 

Let's Pray 
Father, I thank You for loving me and for making me Your child.  As I face each day, help me to remember that I am Yours, Lord and because I belong to You, I have everything I need and can truly dwell in peace.  Today, I choose to trust and rest in You, my Shepherd and my God.

In Jesus' name,
Amen. 

Now It's Your Turn
Identify the most stressful areas of your life.  Read Psalm 23 every day this month, committing each one of these areas to the Good Shepherd.  As you walk through each stress-filled day, lean on the truths of this psalm.  At the end of the month, evaluate your stress level.   

I encourage you to list the sins that stand between you and God.  Face them, deal with them and turn away from them.  Perhaps you have sinned against someone.  Don't wait another minute.  Ask their forgiveness.  Sin that has never been confessed is a stronghold of the enemy from which he dispenses guilt, condemnation and stress. 

More From The Girlfriends
Stressed out?  I encourage you to read Psalm 23 every day for one month and see what happens to your stress level! 

The Bible will help you deal with the stress in your life.  Need help? Enroll in my online Bible study, Light for the Journey, and join hundreds of women from across the world as we study God's Word together.

If you want more on this topic, check out my book, Escaping the Stress Trap or take a look at my CD, MP3 and E-Book Bible Study on stress management.

We can also connect through e-mail or on Facebook! I would love to hear some of your "stress-busters." Let's talk!

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]

February 17, 2010 

Man's Best Friend 

Sharon Jaynes 

(In honor of Valentine's Day, Sharon's February devotions will focus on marriage.)

Today's Truth
"The LORD God said, 'It is not good for man to be alone.  I will make a helper suitable for him.'" Genesis 2:18 NIV

Friend To Friend
For thirteen years, our family was blessed with a Golden Retriever named Ginger. We gave her to our son, Steven, for Christmas when he was five-years-old and she still holds the blue ribbon as the best present ever. I can still remember the look of surprise on Steven's cherub face when the "stuffed" animal began to move.  "It's a puppy!" he exclaimed. "It's not a toy!"

And while Ginger was officially Steven's dog, and I was unofficially her primary caretaker, it was my husband who held a special place in her heart.  From the very beginning, Ginger loved my husband the best.

Ginger lollygagged her days away by sleeping in the driveway or lounging by the back stoop steps.  However, when my husband's car entered the neighborhood and turned the corner onto our shady Stratfordshire Drive, Ginger's ears perked up and her eyes began to beam.  Suddenly infused with a burst of anticipatory energy, she would jump to her feet and run in circles.  "He's home!  He's home!" she seemed to say.

When Steve pulled into the garage and opened his car door, Ginger whined, ran to greet him and rested her head on his left leg while he cooed and rubbed her ears.  Steve's homecoming was the highlight of her day.

No wonder dog is called "man's best friend."  Ginger was loyal, didn't nag, and loved Steve no matter how much or how little attention he paid to her on any given day.  She was very forgiving and almost immediately forgot any injustice such as withholding her dinner when we ate in her presence or being left behind when we traveled on vacation.  Often at the mere sight of Steve, Ginger rolled over on her back and beckoned him to rub her tummy.  She always responded to his touch like it was heaven on earth. What man wouldn't love such a response from "his girl?"

And yet, when God created Adam and placed him the garden, only to determine that "It is not good for man to be alone," He did not create a dog to be his loyal companion.  God created a woman to fill the void in his life.  She was called an ezer in the Hebrew - the original language of the Old Testament. Most Bible translations render the word ezer as "helper," however, the word is packed with so much more meaning than a mere helper. 

Author, Carolyn Custis James reveals the following: Ezer appears twenty-one times in the Old Testament.  Twice in Genesis it describes the woman (Genesis 2:18, 20).  But the majority of references (sixteen to be exact) refer to God, or Yahweh, as the helper of his people.  The remaining three references appear in the books of the prophets, who use it to refer to military aid.  If language means anything, then ezer, in every case, is not a flunky or junior assistant but a very strong helper.

We would be very remiss if we looked at the word ezer or helper in only domestic terms.  Adam didn't need someone to cook for him, clean up after him, or care for him.  That was not the problem.  The void in Adam's life was that he did not have a companion to work with him, rule the earth with him, love with him, procreate with him and after the fall - struggle with him.  A dog might have been an easier adjustment for Adam, but God decided Adam needed someone with words.

As an ezer or a strong helper, how will we use our words?  Will we use them to fortify or flatten, defend or defeat, complete or compete?  The choice begins in our minds, runs through our hearts, and responds with our lips.  And one of the best ways we can use our words is in prayer.

Let's Pray
Dear LORD, I so want to be a good ezer - a good companion that is my husband's completer.  I want to be a help and not a hindrance.  Help me to use my words in such a way that help him to be all that You have created him to be as we work together in life.  In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Now It's Your Turn
What do you think of when you think of the word "helper?"

Why do you think Adam needed a helper?

How have you been an ezer to your husband over the past week? (Not geezer, mind you.  But ezer.)

You might want to ask him some ways that you could help him in the coming days?

What are some ways that you can be your husband's helper?  Visit my Facebook page and let's chat!  www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes

More From The Girlfriends
Do you want to become the woman of your husband's dreams? Would you like a little "wow" back in your relationship with the man you married?  Then let seven simple secrets from Sharon's book, Becoming the Woman of His Dreams, transform your marriage.  With Biblical wisdom and responses from hundreds of men she surveyed, you'll get a glimpse into your husband's deepest longings.

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