Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

September 20, 2010 

Cleaning out Our Spiritual Ears 

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Do not quench the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19 NASB). 

Friend to Friend
The Holy Spirit speaks to us to convict us of sin, but sometimes I think we have "spiritual ear wax build-up" which causes us to have a difficult time hearing His voice. In my own life, when the Holy Spirit speaks to me concerning a particular sin, it is almost as if He is screaming at me to stop and think about what I'm getting ready to do or the potential consequences of my unholy actions. If I ignore His promptings, the next time His voice isn't quite as loud. Eventually, if I continue to choose to ignore the Holy Spirit's voice, I may not hear His voice at all. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, "Do not put out the Holy Spirit's fire" (I Thessalonians 5:19 NIV). Another version says, "Do not quench the Spirit" (NASB). Each time we ignore Him, we diminish our ability to hear His voice.

Let's say I turn the television to a program that I know God would not want me to watch.  I feel the Holy Spirit's conviction and sense Him speaking to me to turn the television off and not fill my mind with visions and words that are unpleasing to God. If I ignore the Holy Spirit and watch the program, it is like I get "spiritual ear wax build up" and the next time the Holy Spirit speaks His voice is not quite as clear. I believe with all my heart that turning a deaf ear to the Holy Spirit's conviction in our lives will lead to a serious case of spiritual hearing loss. The only solution is repentance - which is more than saying, "I'm sorry." It is agreeing with God that your actions are sin, and then turning and going in the opposite direction.

Once someone accepts Jesus as his or her personal Savior, the Holy Spirit comes and takes up residence in that person (Romans 8:8-9). "You yourselves are God's temple and God's Spirit lives in you" (I Corinthians 6:19). Because the Holy Spirit abides in each believer, we should expect Him to speak to us on a regular basis. But each time we resist the Spirit (Acts 7:51), grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:29) or quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19 NASB), we throw a cup of water onto the flame. The Holy Spirit won't leave us, but His power in our lives may be reduced to a smoldering ember if we refuse to listen.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, thank You for the Holy Spirit who warns me to stop before sinning. Help me to have the will power to heed His voice and obey quickly. Please forgive me for the times I have ignored the Holy Spirit's promptings and proceeded to act like a stubborn child who ignores her father's warnings.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn 
Are there certain activities or areas of your life in which you have felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit?

If so, have you made changes? Stopped watching a particular TV program? Discontinued a relationship? Changed the way you dress? Changed an eating habit? Etc?

Do you need your "ears" cleaned out? One of the best ways to keep "spiritual ear wax" from building up is to start each day reading God's Word and praying. Write out a prayer making a commitment to God to listen to His voice through the pages of your Bible and the Holy Spirit's prompting.

If the Holy Spirit has been convicting you of behavior you need to change, I'd love to hear about it. Sometimes writing it down helps us to stay strong! Log on to www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes and put it in words.

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's book, Becoming a Woman who Listens to
God.  If you would like to learn more about how to hear God's still small voice in your life, then this book is for you!

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


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

[Judy Harder]

September 21, 2010 

And I love Me! 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV) "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."

Friend to Friend
I love being a grandmother. I absolutely adore our three grandchildren and work hard at finding any and every excuse to spend time with them. The games I played with their parents, I now play with them. I read many of the same stories that I read to their parents and have come up with new renditions of old songs I once sang as a young mother. I am convinced that my grandchildren keep me young. I am also convinced that they are some of my greatest and most profound teachers. Maybe that is because they are so "fresh" from Heaven and the presence of God. Whatever the reason, when I spend time with them, I always come away with new truth.

I recently visited our son and daughter-in-law in Charlotte, North Carolina because two of our three grandchildren live with them. They are twins. As you can imagine, life is anything but dull as Jered and Jodi try to keep up with three-year-old Lelia and Jaydan. It seems like the twins do or say something new every day and I can now testify to the fact that are learning to talk ... a lot! They are also learning how to pray.

As we sat down at the dinner table one night, I watched Lelia and Jaydan bow their heads and begin to sing the blessing. It was one of those life moments I will never forget. But there was more. When the song was finished, Jered prayed, "Thank You, God, for our food and our home. Thank You for Mommy, Daddy, Lelia, Jaydan and for Mimi." I waited for the usual "amen" but instead, heard two sweet voices offer their own thanks. Lelia ended their prayer time by pointing to each person seated at the table and declaring, "I love Mommy and Daddy. I love JayJay. I love Mimi." Then came the "amen" from daddy. However, Lelia was not done. With sparkling eyes and a smile that would melt any heart, she pointed to herself and said, "And I love me!"

And there you have the three-year-old translation of the two most important commandments Jesus ever gave. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself" Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV).

Jesus is responding to a question he was asked by an interpreter of the law. I suspect the motive behind the question was far from pure, but Jesus responded with pure truth when He said that the love of God is the "first and greatest commandment." In other words, our love of God must not only be not sincere but radical. If we love God, we sell out to Him and will naturally serve Him by loving and serving others. Too often, we stop right there and never get to the second most important commandment. Jesus said we are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

Yes, there is a self-love that is corrupt, and the root of the greatest sins we can possibly commit. That kind of self-love must die. However, Jesus teaches that we are to love ourselves enough to take care of and be concerned with the welfare of our own bodies and souls. Our body houses the Holy Spirit. Our soul is eternal. We are responsible for the care of both. And we must love our neighbor as truly and sincerely as we love ourselves. That kind of love often asks us to deny ourselves for the good of others because people could care less how much we know, until they know how much we care. Our choice to obey these two commandments will mold our heart and life into something beautiful that honors and pleases God.

The psalmist writes, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well" (Psalm 139:13-14). You can judge the value and the worth of a product by looking at the one who made it. You are no accident. You were created by God - for God - and even if you were never wanted or planned by human heart and mind, you were planned and wanted by God. So, love your neighbor and while you are at it, love yourself

Let's Pray
Father, I celebrate the fact that You created me. You planned my life and chose me to be Your daughter because You love me. Help me to love others, God, and then help me to see and love myself through Your eyes.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read the following verses of Scripture and answer the questions listed below.

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." 


How does this verse of Scripture emphasize the fact that you and I were created in response to God's plan, not as an afterthought or as an accident?

Psalm 8:3-5 "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor."

How do these verses line up with the way you see yourself right now? What one immediate change do you need to make in order to see yourself the way God sees you?

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Are you living a life plan that gives you hope and a future? Is it the right plan? 

Read and memorize Isaiah 43:4 and make it one of your life verses. "You are precious and honored in my sight, and I love you." 

More from the Girlfriends
Learning to see ourselves through the eyes of God - no more and no less - is fundamental to a life of power and victory. The enemy would love for us to think that we are worthless and of little or no value to God. Do not buy his lies! You are loved and wanted by God, friend. Now live like it!

Need help? Check out these resources that will help you discover your worth and value to God:

Getting Good at Being You (CD)

How to Get Past Your Past (CD)

In His Eyes (MP3)

Join women from across the world in Mary's Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. Sandpaper People is the current series and will help you discover ten ways to deal with the "sandpaper people" in your life - you know - the ones that rub you the wrong way. When you enroll, you also have access to all of the 2010 studies. Check it out!

Need a friend? Connect with me on Facebook or through email. I love hearing what God is doing in your life! Tell me how praising God has made a difference in your life. Let's talk about it, girlfriend!

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


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

[Judy Harder]

September 22, 2010 

The Learner's Permit
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning" (Proverbs 9:9 TNIV).

Friend to Friend
I had dreaded the day for months. My breakfast and lunch stuck in my throat, not quite making it past the lump lodged there. I knew the momentous day was coming. I had fifteen and a-half years to prepare, but that proved insufficient. Would I live through the ordeal? Could I withstand the pressure? Should I allow the inevitable? 

"Hi, Mom!" Steven chirped as he eagerly burst through the kitchen door to disrupt my musings.  "I'm home from school. Ready to go get my driver's permit?"

"Oh, hi, Son. I'd almost forgotten about it," I teased. "Was that today?"

"Mom, you know it's today. It's been marked on the calendar for weeks and you even made the appointment at the DMV so we wouldn't have to wait!"

What was I thinking? I wondered to myself.

"Oh yes, I remember. Let me gather my things." I muttered and puttered around the house, stalling for time. "Pocketbook, keys, Steven's social security card, insurance information, Tylenol, nerve medication - OK, I'm ready to go."

I knew Steven was prepared. He had studied three times more for his driver's permit exam than he had for his biology semester exam. After all, which was more important? He was ready. I wasn't.

We arrived at the ever-crowded DMV where we filled out the necessary papers. I paced the waiting room with several other apprehensive parents while Steven took the test. Of course, he passed. Of course he wanted to drive home - on a Friday afternoon - in five o'clock traffic - on a major highway. It was the longest twelve miles of my life.

As we neared a busy intersection close to our home, I saw the traffic light turning yellowish pink.  Did he see it? I wasn't sure.

"Steven," I managed to say through clenched teeth as we rapidly approached. "Are you going to stop?"

"I don't know? Should I stop or try to get through?"

In his indecision, he came to a screeching halt - right smack dab in the middle of the intersection where we sat idling over the manhole. Cars on the east, west, north and south, stared in disbelief. 

"Now what?" he yelped with a voice an octave higher than normal.

"Back up."

"What?" he asked.

"Back up."

The car behind us graciously backed up and let Steven shimmy back into position behind the red light, which promptly turned green. Whew! That was close.

Later that day, he ran a stop sign in a parking lot, declaring he never knew that parking lots even had traffic signs.

After our eventful day, I decided Steven did not have a driver's permit. He had a learner's permit. He had permission to learn - and learn he would.

I wonder if perhaps I got a taste of how our Heavenly Father feels as his children embark on their Christian journey. Like Steven passing the written test, we might think we know all the rules, can keep life under control, know when to stop, go, slow down, and speed up. Then we see a yellow light from the Lord and wonder - Does that mean to slow down or speed up and go through quickly?

I don't know about you, but I've been caught in the intersection of life more times than I'd like to admit. I've had times when I couldn't decide whether to go forward or stop or back up. As a result, I found myself idling in the middle of my journey, holding up traffic.

On those days, I think God is saying, "Back up. That's right, back up and wait until I give you a green light." I've decided that when it comes to driving down the road of life, I only have my learner's permit. He has never given me permission to take hold of the wheel and apply my foot to the accelerator without Him in the car. 

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me when I try to take control of my life. Forgive me when I act like I think I know it all. I don't. I am still learning. Thank you for being the patient Teacher and showing me when to stop, yield, or go.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Do you ever act like a spiritual know it all, or are you always willing for God to teach you new truth?

Look up the following Psalms and see what the writer says about his desire to learn.

Psalm 25:4, 5

Psalm 27:11

Psalm 32:8

Psalm 85:11

Psalm 119:68

More from the Girlfriends
I am always learning! Many of the wonderful truths that God has taught me have now become books. Most of them are birthed out of struggles in my own life. I invite you to visit my website, click on the books page, and see if there is something there God wants you to learn. You can also read excerpts and watch videos about various topics. And right now, Dreams of a Woman is offered for an amazing special. See you there! 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]

September 23, 2010 

Reaching and Teaching 

Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.  Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind..." (Titus 2:3-5a,NIV).

Friend to Friend
One day, following a church service, a fellow 'lead worshipper' approached me. She is a fabulously lovely, young, hip '20-something' chick who totally loves Jesus. To my surprise and delight, she asked if I would consider becoming her mentor. At first I thought...'but I'm way too young to be your mentor!' Then I woke up from my momentary dream and remembered that I am a wise-on-my-good-days, slightly-elder-ish 'almost 40-something' chick with a decade of life, marriage, and ministry on her. I was excited and scared at the same moment as I prayerfully agreed. I have been blessed beyond measure by many women in my life who are slightly more gray and slightly less green than I am!

Have you ever wanted life advice and didn't know who to talk to? I have. We all need a spiritual mentor to take our hand as we face life. Likewise, we all need to grab hold of a younger spiritual hand for the journey, to bring them along in Christ and strengthen their spiritual muscles, to encourage, teach and admonish. As runners in a relay race reach forward to grab the baton from their teammate in front of them, they also extend the baton back to a runner about to take off in her own race. We need to be reaching and teaching! Look at what the apostle Paul told his disciple, Titus, about women doing life with other women:

"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God" (Titus 2:3-5, NIV).

The Bible says in Mark chapter 6 that after John the Baptist had died, his disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. I find it interesting that the word 'disciples' is used instead of the word friends or associates. The implication is that John had poured his life into guiding and instructing these men in the truth and hope of Christ. 

The Bible also tells us that Jesus revered John the Baptist as one of the greatest men to ever walk the earth. Interestingly, John did not consider himself even worthy to tie the sandals of Jesus. So even a man such as John the Baptist, who was set apart for a special God-mission to prepare the way for the LORD, needed to reach forward to Christ for guidance and wisdom. Though he was not one of the chosen twelve disciples of Jesus, John the Baptist was, indeed, a disciple of the Lord. What a beautiful example we see here. John was a disciple and made disciples. With God's help and a little effort, we can do both, too! 

Friend, this is what GiG (Girlfriends in God) is all about. Sharon, Mary and I purpose to pour in to you each day through these devotions - to encourage you and spur you on toward the heart of God. But we can't be the only resource you've got in this area. Beyond us e-GiGs, you need flesh-friends in your life for the same purpose. I challenge you to prayerfully connect with one or two women this week to discuss this mentoring topic. Reach ahead. Reach behind. When you do, deep blessings and growth will be evidenced in your life and in the life of those with whom you connect.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, You are so good to instruct us toward relationships...both with You and with others. Would you help me to grow in faith?  Would you use me to make a difference in the lives of other women as well? Please lead me in Your will and in Your ways. 

In the powerful name of Jesus,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn 

Do you have a spiritual mentor? 
Have you spoken with her recently? 
Why not call or email her to set up a date to meet for coffee or lunch this week? 
Are you mentoring anyone right now? 
If so, why don't you call or email her to set up a time to meet for coffee or lunch sometime in the next week or two? 
If you are not a spiritual mentor yet or don't have a spiritual mentor, take a few moments to seek God's heart about this for your life.

More from the Girlfriends 

GiGs - Thanks for joining us on this journey. Sharon, Mary and I love you and pray for you regularly. Beyond the devotions, be sure to visit us on Facebook so we can have a continuous e-connection. Today on my Facebook page, we will be gathering to pray for one another. Got a prayer need? Stop by and connect/pray with GiGs all over the world right now: www.Facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic.

STORIES, SCRIPTURE and SONGS - These are the three words that embody the ministry of Gwen Smith. She shares both stories and songs in the resources available on her website. Longing to go deeper in your faith? Love a good God-story? Looking for Scripturally-sound inspiration and hope? Grab a few CDs or her book, Broken into Beautiful, today at www.GwenSmith.net.

LIKE SAVING MONEY? Check out the SPECIALS on Gwen's website at http://www.gwensmith.net/store/specials.htm.  When you order more than one CD, you save!

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


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

[Judy Harder]

September 24, 2010
What are you doing with your anger?
Georgia Shaffer


We hope you are enjoying the Girlfriends in God daily devotions. We (Mary, Sharon, and Gwen) would like to introduce you to some of the women who have blessed our lives as girlfriends. 

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," Georgia Shaffer.

Today's Truth

"Be angry, and yet do not sin" Ephesians 4:26 (NASB).

Friend to Friend

I grew up in a home where I never learned how to express my anger in healthy ways. In fact, I believed anger was a bad thing. If someone even hinted that I might be angry I would say, "I'm not angry. I'm just upset."

Many years later, I finally understood that the real issue isn't whether or not I get angry but what I do with my anger. Do I try to ignore it or deny my anger? Do I express it in a selfish, harmful way? Or do I accept it and find constructive ways to handle it?

Most of us would agree that physical and verbal aggression, such as throwing things, slapping, name-calling, or cursing, are hurtful. But we don't always recognize how harmful it is to express our anger with sarcasm or by giving someone the silent treatment.

Here are five ways we can express our anger destructively. See if you can recognize yourself in any of following.

Critical Words - Criticism, as a destructive expression of anger, is finding fault or expressing disapproval of another person. Some experienced criticizers deliver their verbal jabs while smiling and end by saying, "I'm only telling you this for your own good."

Vengeful Behavior - "I'll get even with him," Abby said after her husband left her to be with someone else. "He's not going to get away with this." The desire to get back at someone is a common reaction when we've been hurt. What we do next is what matters. Unless we address our unresolved anger, it will quickly harden into bitterness and negatively impact all our relationships.

Sarcastic Remarks - "I was only kidding" is a comment we often hear after someone has made a cutting remark and we are pulling out the knife and tending to our emotional wound. They may even tell us we are too sensitive if we say we are hurt. They may respond, "I didn't mean anything by it. Can't you take a joke?"

Withdrawing Communication - Temporarily leaving the scene of a heated argument can be a good thing. But distancing ourselves becomes destructive when we do it to avoid communicating with someone. People who withdraw often refuse to answer emails or calls—sometimes for days, weeks, or years.

Withholding Something -Maybe we don't give someone the silent treatment, but we get stingy with our time, attention, money, and other resources. We hold back the very thing we know the person wants or needs.

Whether we tend to use criticism, sarcasm, or give the silent treatment, we want to cultivate the habit of expressing our anger constructively. I've found it helpful to do something physical like take a walk, garden, or clean my home. Journaling is another way I process my anger. On more than one day, my journal has become a trash can where I dump my emotional junk.

You may choose to express your anger by talking to a friend or counselor, addressing a relational issue, or finding new solutions to old problems. Just remember, the goal is not to get rid of all anger but to intentionally express it in a healthy way.

Let's Pray

Dear Lord, help me to have a healthy view of my angry feelings. Help me to accept them rather than ignore or deny them. Help me to realize when I'm expressing this powerful emotion in a selfish, harmful or destructive way. Most importantly, give me the wisdom and discernment to purposefully and constructively handle my anger.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

1. What role does anger play in your life? With which of the destructive styles of anger listed below can you identify? 

            - Aggressive action

            - Critical words

            - Vengeful behavior

            - Sarcastic remarks

            - Withdrawing communication

            - Withholding something

2. List two things you can do this week to express your frustrations or fury in a positive way. For example, you might want to memorize a Scripture verse about anger, such as Proverbs15:1, Proverbs 19:11, Ephesians 4:3, or James 1:19. When your anger starts to surface, count to 10, and repeat the memorized verse.

Maybe you would rather take a brisk walk, work in the garden, talk to a friend, or clean out a closet. Do whatever helps you control your anger instead of allowing it to control you. 

More from the Girlfriends

Today's devotion was taken from Georgia Shaffer's newest book, Taking Out Your Emotional Trash: Face Your Feelings and Build Healthy Relationships. As a licensed psychologist in PA and certified life coach, Georgia is passionate about helping you handle life's up and downs more easily so that you can experience more energy, peace, and happiness.

If you want to take the free Dump Your Junk Self-Assessment or order Georgia's book go to www.GeorgiaShaffer.com.  Taking Out Your Emotional Trash is also available at any bookstore such as www.Amazon.com. To connect with Georgia on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1408877303.

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

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

[Judy Harder]

September 27, 2010

Love Covers it All

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

1 John 4:8-10 "But anyone who does not love does not know God--for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins."

Friend to Friend

When I was a little girl, I often went grocery shopping with my mother, hoping to snag a treat or two for myself. Mama shopped at one particular grocery store for one reason alone. They handed out S&H green trading stamps with each purchase. Let me just say that my Mama was all about collecting those small, green stamps. She was one of the hardest working women I have ever known. In fact, she sometimes worked two or three jobs at a time to put food on the table. Collecting S&H green stamps was simply a way to get a little more for her money. My job was to lick the stamps and stick them in the S&H green stamp books. I can still taste that nasty glue! I then placed the books in a wooden chest where Mama kept her "stash."

For months, she hoarded the small, green stamps until she had enough to trade for something we needed. Yes, it was always something we needed until one particular Saturday in December. "Get the green stamp books," she said. "We are going to town!" I noticed an unusual excitement in her voice and assumed we were going to trade the stamps in to buy a Christmas present for someone in our family. Mama rarely redeemed the stamps for something she wanted. That seemed to be a luxury we could not afford and a splurge she would not allow for herself. Stamps in hand, off we went to find a treasure.

When we reached the redemption center, Mama parked the car and with great resolve, marched straight in, totally ignoring the appliance section, past all of the toys, skipping the aisle where small electronics, hairdryers and vacuums were displayed, and made a beeline for the linens department. I had a sinking feeling that my idea of a treasure did not match my mother's idea of a treasure.

Unlike most of our trips to the redemption center, Mama did not take her time to look around and weigh her options. It was obvious that she was on a mission and would not be deterred! Suddenly, she stopped, a smile spreading across her face as she gazed at an item on the shelf. "It's still here!" she whispered in relief.

I remember thinking that whatever she had spotted must be very special to warrant such determination, such joy and a whole lot of stamp glue. When I realized that the blue treasure she clutched in her hands was just a tablecloth, I simply did not understand. I mean, there were so many other beautiful things in the store she could have chosen. I had tasted and pasted a lot of stamps for a tablecloth? What was so special about an ordinary tablecloth? I was confused - until we got home.

Our family was poor - in material things - and we lived in what most people would refer to as a "shack" out on the edge of a small, Texas town. My mother was an amazing woman who somehow managed to raise three children after my father died of a heart attack. Honestly, I don't think we ever realized how poor we really were or considered ourselves to be deprived. Many happy times and scrumptious meals were enjoyed around our old, scratched, worn and downright ugly dining room table. That dilapidated table dominated the entire room with ugliness - until the day Mama bought the blue tablecloth.

I watched as she carefully removed the cloth from its hard, plastic package and began to unfold her treasure. Now, my mother could "snap" a bed sheet or tablecloth with the best of them. I can still hear that sound as she whipped the blue cloth in front of her to straighten out any wrinkles and let it slowly float through the air, finally settling on the dining room table. As she smoothed her treasure across that shabby table, an amazing thing happened. Not only did the table look beautiful, the whole room looked better! 

Love is like that, its mere presence transforming the ugliness of a broken life into a beautiful trophy of grace. Love covers the scars of sin. Love heals old wounds and eases the pain of the past. We all need to be loved and we all need to love.

Jesus was and is the living illustration and certain fulfillment of His Father's love. The love of God is unconditional, unfailing and will stubbornly pursue us no matter where we go, what we do or don't do. We cannot earn God's love because then, it would be wages paid for work done. We will never be good enough to deserve the love of God because God's love is holy and pure ... and we aren't. God's love is a gift. All we can do is accept it and rest in Him. God's love satisfies the deepest longings of our soul and enables us to love ourselves and others.

Friend, across your defeats spread the hope and promise of a tiny baby lying in a manger. Across your pain, spread the unconditional love poured out for you on a cruel cross. Across your doubts and fears, spread the promise of an empty tomb and a coming King. The love of God changes everything. God's love covers it all.

Let's Pray

God, I need Your love. My life is filled with scars and wounds that can be healed by Your love alone. I celebrate the love You so freely offer. I accept the gift of Your love and thank You for its transforming power in my heart and life. I love You, Father, and celebrate Your presence and power in my life. 

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

What past experiences in your life need the covering of God's healing love? Right now, make the decision to face and deal with those experiences in God's timing and God's way. 

Why do we bury hurt and pain?
With what have you tried to "cover" the painful parts of your life? Did it work? Why? Why not?
What does it really mean to allow God's love to cover the sin and pain in your life?
What is the first step or action that you need to take in the process of allowing God to heal the broken places?
More from the Girlfriends

Getting past our past is a crucial step toward living a victorious life. God cannot fill hearts and hands that still clutch the pain of the past. Let go! Walk straight ahead into the love and transforming power of God.

Need help? I can't believe I am even writing these words, but the holidays are just around the corner! I can already feel the stress that is just around that same corner. If you want to find God's answer for stress, check out my book, Escaping the Stress Trap, for steps you can take to help you live in peace.

Check out Mary's FREE MPs or visit her online store for great deals on books, CDs,

E-Bible Studies and her DVD, Strength for the Storm.

Join women from across the world in Mary's Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. A new study begins October 4:  When an Ordinary Woman Meets an Extraordinary God. When you enroll, you also have access to all of the 2010 studies. Check it out!

Need a friend? Connect with me on Facebook or through email. I love hearing what God is doing in your life! Tell me how praising God has made a difference in your life. Let's talk about it, girlfriend!

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

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

[Judy Harder]

September 28, 2010

Come Often, Drink Deeply

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink" (John 7:38 NIV).

Friend to Friend

We all come into the world thirsty. From the time my son made his first cry in the delivery room, he began rooting around for something to drink. God planned it that way. Our bodies are 50 to 60 percent water and must be replenished continuously. When we go without water, our skin grows clammy, our eyes become scratchy and our head starts to pound. We need water to keep our mouths moist enough to swallow, our vital organs plump enough to function, and our joints lubricated enough to flex. One week without water and we simply dry up and die.

We also come into the world spiritually thirsty. From the time we are cut loose from our mother's nourishing umbilical cord, we begin our journey to discovering the living water to satisfy the soul.  Oh, we don't know it yet. But God has placed this desire in each and every one of his image bearers. Until we meet Jesus at the well, we fumble about trying to quench the God-given thirst with anything and anyone who offers temporary relief. But it is just that...temporary.

It is only in a relationship with Jesus that we discover what Peter Kreft in Three Philosophies of Life called, "the ultimate purpose for which we were created, the meeting and marriage between ourselves and God...the highest and holiest and happiest hope of the human heart, the thing we were all born hungering (and thirsting) for, hunting for, longing for."

The Samaritan woman at the well we read about in John chapter 4 had tried drinking from many shallow streams. She had been married five times and the man she was living with when she encountered Jesus was not her husband. But they had all left her thirsty for more - or at least for something different. Jesus offered her freely flowing, resplendently refreshing water; water that bubbles up from the indwelling Holy Spirit and quenches every thirst, washes away every sin, and flows into every nook and cranny of our beings. He invites us to come often and drink deeply.

I live on a beautiful lake. I can look at the lake, swim in the lake and even stand in the lake...and still die of thirst. The only way for the water to enter my system is to scoop it up and drink.

Likewise, we can read about Jesus, listen to sermons about Jesus, and even believe that He was a good man. But until we actually believe that Jesus is God's Son, the Messiah, who died for our sins and rose again...until we partake of Jesus and make Him Lord of our lives, we will remain thirsty.

And our woman at the well? She accepted the invitation. She believed! She left the water jug right at Jesus' feet. She didn't need it anymore. After all, she found what she had been looking for her entire life.

Let's Pray

Dear LORD, Oh how I praise You for Your living water. I come to You thirsty and I will drink deeply from Your Word. Thank You for giving me Your Word that I can read every day.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

We all come into the world spiritually thirsty. What are some ways that people try to quench that spiritual thirst other than with Jesus?

What are some ways that you have tried to quench that God-given thirst other than with Jesus?

When is the last time you spent time drinking deeply from God's Word? How about spending an extended time with Him today? You've got a great start!

Visit my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes and tell me your favorite place to worship Jesus.

More from the Girlfriends

Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's new book, What God Really Thinks about Women: Finding Your Significance through the Women Jesus Encountered. We tend to read the gospels with our twenty-first century eyes. But when we understand how oppressive the culture Jesus stepped into was against women, we begin to understand just how radical Jesus' ministry, messages, and miracles were at setting women free. He risked His reputation to save theirs...and yours. Read this book and you'll fall in love with Jesus all over again. There's also a companion Bible Study Guide for those who want to learn more.

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

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

[Judy Harder]

September 29, 2010

Counting the Ways

Gwen Smith

Today's Truth

"I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you" Psalm 63:2-3.

Friend to Friend

So - I'm at the airport. I totally mismanaged time this morning, and missed my flight.  Thankfully, I gave myself some wiggle room for travel and will still get to my conference in plenty of time. The consequences of my tardiness seemed harsh at first ...six hours of sitting still. Now, as I'm an hour into the sitting, I am strangely grateful for this time. I suddenly have grace space in my day. 

In this time of reflection, I'm reminded of a day in an airport, a few years back, when I experienced a memorable God-moment after my flight had been cancelled. The extra time became the opportunity for me to have extended personal worship. I reflected on God's goodness as He bragged on Himself with a glorious sunrise. I remember sensing His presence and His pleasure deep inside as I considered a few of the reasons that I loved our LORD. In the chaos of the terminal, I felt a peace and serenity that was profound. Have you ever had one of those sweet moments?   

On that warm June morning I had gotten to the Philadelphia airport crazy-early. I sipped piping hot coffee, as my mind wandered to that classic poem "How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways," written by the talented poet of the Victorian era, Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Her poem seemed the perfect backdrop for my worship that morning. Out of this sweet moment was birthed the lyric for a song, Because, that I recorded later that year. 

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN to Gwen's song "BECAUSE"

Have you really savored our Savior lately? Have you paused to adore Him today? What about yesterday? This week? In the midst of marriage, mothering and ministry, I constantly struggle with freeing up time to 'just sit' with God and worship...to behold Him in His sanctuary... yet, this is what God desires most. So today, I praise Him for my missed flight. What in your life do you praise Him for today? Think on that. Make a list!

I'm off to journal and pray now, but before I go, let's pray together and tell God some of the reasons we love Him.

Let's Pray

Heavenly Father, there are so many reasons why I love you! You chased me and caught me. You cherish me and bought me with the blood of your Son, Jesus. Please forgive me for the times when the busyness of life crowds out my time to adore You. Hear my heart today as it tenderly and sincerely whispers, "I love You!" 

In the powerful, saving name of Jesus,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

·         Write a love note to God. List at least 10 reasons why you love Him.

·         Read Psalm 63 and then pray for God's presence, provision and protection in your life.

·         Write a "love note" to someone special in your life that you feel led to bless. Pray that God would lead you in this.

More from the Girlfriends

Hey, GiGs, I just wanted to let each of you know that Sharon, Mary and I really love pouring into your lives from the Word of God. We are blessed and honored to be doing life with you! Thanks for inviting us into your inbox each day! With sincere love, Gwen.

LOVE TO WORSHIP? The song that was featured in today's devotion is on Gwen's CD, Because. Order the CD from Gwen's website (www.GwenSmith.net/store) or download it from iTunes.

GOT FACEBOOK? Gwen loves her Facebook friends! J  Stop by Gwen's page at www.Facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic.  While you're there, leave a message on her wall - listen to a few songs - share the page with your FB friends! (She interacts with and prays for her page friends regularly!)

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


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

[Judy Harder]

September 30, 2010

Stop! Drop! Roll!

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

Luke 2:52 "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."

Friend to Friend

A friend recently sent me the following message in an email with a subject line that said, "I immediately thought of you when I read this!"

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body. But rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, "Wow, what a ride!"

As I read the words on the computer screen, I wasn't sure if I had just received a sweet compliment or some badly needed correction - or both. The part about arriving at the grave in a pretty and well preserved body was flattering, but the part about being thoroughly used up and totally worn out - well, not so much. My next thought was, "Boredom is highly underrated!" I suspect that the truth lies somewhere in between, maybe around the area of balance.

Contrary to popular belief and the way that I have lived a great deal of my life, "balance" is not a dirty word. In fact, a balanced life is a powerful life. It must be. I wrote those words in one of my books. I also stated that a busy life is not necessarily a productive life. I think it is time for a refresher course on how to find God's balance in life because being out of balance is not a good thing. When our finances are out of balance, we hear from the bank. When the washer is out of balance, it dances across the floor. When the tires on our car are out of balance, the ride is rough. But when our life is out of balance, disaster is just around the corner.

As I was praying about this devotional, the Father brought to mind my elementary school days when the firemen came to our school to teach us what we should do in case we ever caught on fire. I remember the drill clearly. Stop! Drop! Roll! Let's apply that same drill to the area of balance. 

Stop!
When was the last time you stopped, got off the merry-go-round and out of the fast lane to take a long, hard look at your life? It is so easy to live each day just doing "the next thing" that comes along. The "one size fits all" mentality about life plans is from the pit and smells like smoke, girlfriend. God has a plan for your life that is unique and you are the only person who can be "you." Build on your strengths. Accept your limitations and yield to the seasons of life. Get in the Word and ask God to show you His plan.

Drop!
Once you discover your life plan, eliminate anything that does not fit that plan. Learn to invest your time instead of just spending it or allowing others to steal it. Choose to budget your time just like you budget your money and learn to say "no" without feeling guilty. We are all responsible for how we spend the time God has given us. Every morning we are credited with 86,400 seconds. No balance is carried into the next day and every night erases what we fail to use.

Roll!
Roll away the burdens you are carrying and learn the value of resting in God. Every opportunity to worry is also an opportunity to trust Him. I heard a story about a man who had to cross a wide river on the ice. He was afraid it might be too thin, so he began to crawl on his hands and knees in fear, thinking he would fall through the icy surface at any time. Just as he neared the opposite shore, exhausted and weak, another man glided past him sitting on a sled loaded with iron. The promises of God will not break under the weight of any problem or trial you will ever face. Take Him at His Word. Let God be God in your life and trust Him.

When Jesus was twelve years old, He traveled to Jerusalem with His parents for the annual Passover Celebration. When Mary and Joseph began the long trip home, they assumed Jesus was traveling with friends. When they realized Jesus was missing, their search found Him at the temple, teaching.

Don't miss this important truth. Jesus returned home with His parents and spent the next twenty years growing and maturing. Luke 2:52 tells us that "Jesus grew in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and men." Then in Luke 3, we see Jesus as He began His ministry on earth. Don't miss this important truth! Jesus grew mentally and emotionally, physically, spiritually and socially. His life was balanced - before He began His ministry. You may be waiting for your life to just fall into place, hoping that the things you are doing will achieve balance. The opposite is true. A powerful life comes from a balanced life. Now is the time for you to stop ... drop ... and roll.

Let's Pray

Father, I am tired. My life is out of control and I don't know what to do. Please help me examine my priorities by Your standards and expectations and live for Your pleasure and glory. I choose now to trust You, knowing that You are in control whether it looks like it or not. My faith is weak, Lord. Strengthen me to do what You created me to do.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Set aside time to come before God, in total surrender and with a willing heart. Ask Him to show you His plan. Choose to follow that plan now.

Stop: Read and memorize Psalm 139:16. Examine your priorities. Do they line up with God's priorities?

Drop: What activity or time consumer do you need to eliminate from your life? For example, how much time do you spend watching television or online? What would your life look like if you invested that time in studying the Bible, praying or serving God?

Roll: Exodus 31:17 says, "For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed." What does this verse say to you about the importance of rest?

2 Timothy 1:7 says, "God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control." What is your greatest fear? Give it to God today and trust Him.

More from the Girlfriends

I know it is hard to find the right balance in life. Only God can make that happen when we make the choice to let Him. Are you ready to make that choice? Know that we are praying for you and asking God to fill your life with peace and joy as you seek Him. We are with you, girlfriend.

Need help? I can't believe I am even writing these words, but the holidays are just around the corner! I can already feel the stress that is just around that same corner. If you want to find God's answer for stress, check out my book, Escaping the Stress Trap, for steps you can take to help you live in peace.

Check out Mary's FREE MPs or visit her online store for great deals on books, CDs,

E-Bible Studies and her DVD, Strength for the Storm.

Join women from across the world in Mary's Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. A new study begins October 4:  When an Ordinary Woman Meets an Extraordinary God. When you enroll, you also have access to all of the 2010 studies. Check it out!

Need a friend? Connect with me on Facebook or through email. I love hearing what God is doing in your life! Tell me how praising God has made a difference in your life. Let's talk about it, girlfriend!

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]

October 1, 2010

Mixed Messages

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

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

Friend To Friend

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

"Nothing.  Let's go home." I answered.

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

A few days later, Steve called me from work.

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

"No. Why?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Yes, it is," He replied.

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

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

Let's Pray

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

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

A word has been described as the smallest unit of meaningful linguistic communication.  But that little tiny entity has great potential.

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

How is the tongue like the rudder of a ship?

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

On any given day, there are many travelers on our ship (our families and friends) or people we pass on the waterways of life.  How do our words carry people along the same route we are traveling?  How do our words maneuver or bump into those that are passing by?  I'd love to hear your answer!  Click on www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes and share your thoughts.

More From The Girlfriends

Today's devotion is taken from Sharon's book, The Power of a Woman's Words.  There is great power in the words we speak.  Our words have the power to speak life or death into the souls of those we love.  If you would like to learn more about how to harness this powerful force and use your words in positive ways, this book is for you!  Why not get a group of girlfriends together and learn about The Power of a Woman's Words together!

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

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