Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

October 19, 2010 

Words - An Incredible Gift 

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Proverbs 18:21 NIV).

Friend To Friend
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1).  When God created the world, stocked the seas with marine life and the skies with winged creatures - when He caused the stars to ignite the night sky and placed the sun to light the day and the moon to illumine the darkness - He did so with words.  "And God said, 'Let there be light.'"  "And God said, 'Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water." "And God said, 'Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.'" "And God said, 'Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night...'" "And God said, 'Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.'" "And God said, 'Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds...'"  "And God said, Let us make man in our own image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.'" .... "And it was so."  God spoke and what was not - became what is. When God created the heavens and the earth, He used a mighty force - words. "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth" (Psalm 33:6).

Amazingly, when God created mankind in His own image, He gave us that same powerful tool. He didn't entrust words to zebra's, birds, monkeys, elephants, lizards, or horses.  He entrusted words to mere mortals.  Our words also have creative potential. They can create a smile on a discouraged child's face, lighten the heart of a husband loaded down with burdens, fan into a flame the dying embers of a friend's smoldering dreams, cheer brothers and sisters in Christ to run the race with endurance, and bring the message of hope and healing of Jesus Christ to a wounded world. Words are one of the most powerful forces in the universe and amazingly, God has entrusted them to you and me.

The question is - how will we use this incredible gift from God today?  Will we use them to bring life or death?  Encouragement or discouragement?   Today, let's pay particular attention to the words we speak and use our words to speak life into the people in our little part of the world today.

Let's Pray
Dear Father, I am amazed that You have entrusted us with such a powerful tool...words.  May we use our words to bless and not to curse, to build up and not to tear down, to heal and not to hurt.  By the power of the Holy Spirit, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Read the following verses and fill in the blanks:

Genesis 1:3 And _______ _______, "Let there be light," and there was light.

Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed ___     _________ ______________so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Psalm 33:6 By the ______________________ were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

What did you discover about the power of God's words?

Now, on a similar note, what can you surmise about the power of your own words?

Throughout the day, ask yourself this question: Did my words build up or tear down?  Did my words encourage or discourage?  Did my words speak life or death?

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 and the people we impact.  If you would like to learn more about how to harness this powerful force and use your words to speak life into others, this book will tell you how.  It also has a companion Bible Study Guide. Why not get a group of girlfriends together and learn about The Power of a Woman's Words together!

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


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

[Judy Harder]

October 20, 2010 

Taming the Tongue 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Proverbs 15:1 (NLT) "A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare."

Friend To Friend
It had been one of "those" mornings and I was behind schedule in preparing to teach the women's Tuesday morning Bible study at our church. I am fairly certain I did not exude peace and joy as I rushed around - as my Mama would say - like a chicken with its head cut off. The auditorium was set up correctly. The sound man had my power point ready to go and was waiting to do a sound check. The coffee pot was plugged in and doing its thing. Smiling ladies gathered to greet the Bible study members as they arrived. I paused and breathed a sigh of relief. It looked like everything was ready - everything except my heart.

I knew I needed to spend some time alone with God before standing to teach His Word, so I found a quiet room where I could escape for a few minutes of solitude. As I began to pray, the door flew open and crashed against the wall behind it as the husband of one of our group leaders burst into the room. I could tell by the look on his face that he was not happy and that whatever was wrong was definitely my fault. In a very loud and very angry voice, the man began to explain the problem, ending his tirade with the question, "And just what are you going to do about it?" 

Sidebar: Guess what lesson I was teaching that particular morning. Remember, God definitely has a sense of humor. The lesson title was "How to Tame Your Tongue."

I knew what I wanted to say to the man. I also knew God didn't want me to say it. In a rare moment of wisdom, I faced my accuser with a smile and whispered, "I'll tell you exactly what I am going to do. I am going to do whatever it takes to make you happy." 

I was completely unprepared for the man's reaction. His mouth fell open, his eyes widened in surprise - no, make that shock - and he stumbled backwards as if I had hit him. The silence was deafening. We stared at each other for what seemed like an hour before he finally whispered back, "Thank you!" Without another word, the man turned and literally ran out of the room. The most amazing part of this story is that from that day on, he has been one of my strongest encouragers. 

The Bible works, girlfriend! When God says that a gentle answer "deflects" anger, He really means it. The word "deflect" means "to change course" or "to force the alteration of plans." When anger is met with love, it is forced to change its destructive course. The plans of the enemy are altered when they are forced to comply with God's truth. A sweet response yanks the fuse right out of an emotional time bomb that is set and ready to explode. We need to choose our responses instead of allowing our reactions to dictate the words we speak.

Godly responses begin in the mind. I believe that our thought life is the front line of battle for the control of our entire life. Proverbs 34:13 warns, "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies." The word "keep" indicates action on our part. We decide. We choose what is allowed to take up room in our mind. It is literally the idea of a guard standing at the gate of the city, stationed there to keep watch. He is there by invitation only. If we want to live right and speak right - we must think right.

Godly responses come from the heart. If there is something wrong with our words, then there is something wrong with our heart. The truth of Proverbs 16:23 is profound in its simplicity, "A wise man's heart guides his mouth."

A judge utters a few words and a guilty man is taken to death row.

A friend speaks a word of encouragement and a desperate heart finds hope.

A mother lashes out with angry words and the light in her child's eyes is gone.

A wife offers a word of forgiveness and a marriage is restored.

A gossip makes a phone call and a reputation is destroyed.

A teenager says "no" and changes the course of her life.

Words are powerful. Words can destroy or build. We need to make the choice today - to respond in the right way to those angry words that are surely headed our way tomorrow.

Let's Pray
Father, I want to please You and encourage others with the words I speak. Clean my heart, God. Transform my mind and fill my mouth with words that honor and please You.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Examine the words you have spoken today in light of the following verses:

Psalm 141:3 "LORD, help me control my tongue; help me be careful about what I say."

Psalm 20:14. "May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer."

How did you do? I encourage you to memorize these two verses. Ask God to let each verse take root in your heart and work its way out in the words you speak. 

More From The Girlfriends
I read the following post on Facebook this week: "Lord, please keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth." I really do want to be the kind of woman who pleases God and blesses others with her words. Imagine what your world would look like if your words were filled with encouragement and love.

We all need help learning how to control our tongue and the words we speak. I strongly encourage you to get Sharon's book, The Power of a Woman's Words. It is practical and powerful! And know that we are praying for you and love doing life with you!

Need help with the tough relationships in your life? Mary's book, Sandpaper People, offers practical steps you can take that will help you deal with difficult people. This book can revolutionize your relationships.

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, When an Ordinary Woman Meets an Extraordinary God. If you enroll now, you will also have access to all of the 2010 studies. Check it out!

Need a friend? Connect with me on Facebook or through email. How are you dealing with the sandpaper people in your life? Someone needs to hear your story! 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]

October 21, 2010 

Restoring Someone's Broken Dream 

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"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" (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

Friend To Friend
I live in Charlotte, North Carolina, 200 miles from the coast.  And yet, our local Wal-Mart has a random smattering of seagulls that soar overhead and eat French fries and other debris from neighboring fast food restaurants.  The truth - seagulls are lost.  They've taken a wrong turn.  And instead of discovering where they went wrong, they've settled for the asphalt parking lot rather than the salty sea.  They've reconciled themselves to feeding on the refuge and trash of harried shoppers rather than the fresh seafood cuisine of their feathered forefathers.

It's not just the seagulls that are lost... who have forgotten the reason for their very existence, the habitat for which they were created to survive and thrive.  It is human beings as well.  Many have become lost.  They are standing in the parking lot of life subsisting off of the refuse of fast living.

Someone needs to point them to the ocean of opportunity, the sea of success, the shore of satisfaction.  And I'm not talking about money or materialism...that IS mere French fries compared to the abundant life that God has for His image bearers. "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" (Jeremiah 29:11).

Do you know someone who is discouraged? Who has taken a wrong turn in life? Who has let the fire go out on their hopes and dreams?  A friend?  A husband?  A child?  If so, hang the fire extinguisher back in the corner and become an encourager who fans even the smallest spark of potential into flame.  Let's send those "gulls" and "buoys" back to the sea of opportunity where they belong.

Let's Pray
Dear Father, all around me I see people who have settled for less than Your best. They've given up on their hopes and dreams, but Lord, I don't want to be one of those people.  Are there dreams in my own life that I have forgotten?  Have I settled for less than Your best?  If I have, please reveal it to me and give me the courage to get out of the parking lot of life and soar to places that You had planned all along.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Let's think about David in the Bible for just a moment.  What happened to him when the prophet Samuel came to his father's house in 1 Samuel chapter 16?

Did things go well for David after he was anointed as the next King of Israel?  If you're not sure, just skim through the pages of 1 Samuel.

Did David ever give up on God's dream for him?

Do you think that David ever wanted to give up and just go back to taking care of sheep?  I think he probably did.  But he kept pressing on.

In your own life, have there been dreams that you have given up on because the way grew too rough?  What have you learned from this lesson today?

I'd love to hear how someone helped restore a broken dream in your life. Just click on www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes and share your story.

More From The Girlfriends
I don't know what I would have done if certain friends had not encouraged me during the difficult times of life. I do know this, I wouldn't be writing books. If you would like to be known as a woman who encourages others to accomplish their dreams, you might want to consider two valuable resources: The Dreams of a Woman-God's Plan for Fulfilling Your Dreams (at a new closeout price) and The Power of a Woman's Words. How exciting to think we could be part of someone accomplishing their dreams!

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


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

[Judy Harder]

October 22, 2010 

Something Beautiful 

Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me" (Matthew 26:10, NIV).

Friend To Friend
I am completely crazy about cool jewelry, so when the Lord prompted me to take off my favorite necklace and give it to the woman who had just admired it, I tried to pretend I did not hear Him.

"It's mine, God!" I reasoned. "It isn't replaceable! Why would ask me to do that?"

My self-plan did not like the God-plan laid out before me. God was asking me to give up something that meant a lot to me so that another woman could be blessed. It seemed crazy and unnecessary. However, in this instance, through the strength of Christ, I chose to obey even though I did not want to. It hurt. It cost me big. I felt the loss.

God softened my childish heart, however, as the woman wept at the Lord's blessing. As I silently confessed my selfish thoughts, God poured a deep joy into my soul. He showed me that my sacrifice was an act of worship to Him. Blessings boomeranged right back to my heart as I humbly thanked Him for allowing me to participate in His moment with her. It was a beautiful thing.

There are just times when I would rather give gifts that don't cost me too much. That is probably something that only I wrestle with, right? (Wink! Wink!) It is hard to be open-handed with things that we hold dear, isn't it? Some of us struggle with an unwillingness to give away material things or money. Others hold tightly to our schedules, our affections, or our availability while still others try to keep a tight reign on our children, grandchildren, spouses, parents or other people in our life.

God must have known we would struggle with this because His Word addresses this issue and shows us a beautiful picture of surrendered devotion in the life of Mary of Bethany. The offering she poured out onto the feet of Jesus was worth a year's wages. She lavished her costly perfume, her attention, her affection, her time and her worship on Jesus because she loved Him. He was her Savior - her Friend - her Hope. The Healer who had miraculously brought life back to the stench of death that had fallen on her brother Lazarus.

"While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.

When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."

Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." (Matthew 26:6-13, NIV)

The Message version says it this way: "She has just done something wonderfully significant for me." (Matthew 26:10)

When I read this story, I am compelled to wonder if God sees a beautiful thing when He looks at my life. Does He see me do anything that is wonderfully significant for Him?

What do you think He sees when he looks at your life?

Does He see a beautiful thing?

The more time we spend with God and reading His Word, the more beautiful our life will become. Therefore, here is my challenge to you: I challenge you to commit 15 minutes a day to God for one week. Just one week. Can you do that? Read a chapter in the Psalms and spend time in prayer each day for seven days. Make the sacrifice. If you already have a disciplined quiet time, I challenge you to add 15 minutes of prayer time. It will be a beautiful thing to both you and God.

When we open the hands of our lives to His presence, to His service and for His glory, rest assured God will see a beautiful thing. When we obey His promptings and listen to His voice that whispers to our soul, He will fill us to overflowing with joy, peace, satisfaction and His beauty.

CLICK HERE to LISTEN to the song, Something Beautiful, that Gwen co-wrote when wrestling with and praying through this passage of Scripture. Let her song be the springboard for your time in prayer today...

Let's Pray
Dear God, You are worth far more praise than I could ever give. Please help me to rest in Your presence and trust in Your plan. Fill me with Your perspective until I joyfully lay down my will for Yours. Lord, when You look at my life, I want You to see beautiful.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Consider what you are holding back from God. Spend time in prayer returning it to Him

Read Psalm 96. Read through it a second time, but pause after each verse with a personal and prayerful response to God. Journal any verses that you want to remember.

More From The Girlfriends
Every beautiful act of worship begins with the heart. If you would like to learn more about how your brokenness can be transformed into a picture of God's beauty, order Gwen's book Broken Into Beautiful. This resource will help you experience the power of hope, healing and restoration!

LIKE SAVING MONEY? Check out the SPECIALS on Gwen's website!  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]

October 25, 2010 

Deborah Leads the Way 

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
Deborah said, "Go!  This is the day the LORD has given Sisera into your hands.  Has not the LORD gone ahead of you?" (Judges 4:14 NIV).

Friend To Friend
Women leaders in the Old Testament are few and far between.  However, Deborah's story in the fourth chapter of Judges is enough to make any woman proud.  I'm sure she would have been a Girlfriend in God.

Deborah was a prophetess and led Israel during a time when her people were being oppressed by the pagan king of Canaan.  Her name meant "bee" and she was a busy bee indeed.  She served as counselor, judge, and warrior.  Deborah held court under a Palm tree which became know as the Palm of Deborah. 

One day, Deborah called for Barak, one of the leaders of the Israeli army.  God had given her instructions for this mighty warrior whose name meant "thunderbolt." As he approached the tree, she passed along his marching orders direct from his Commanding Officer...God.  He was to go into battle. (Judges 4:6-7)

Barak cowered at God's command and like a little boy said, "If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go with me, I won't go" (Judges 4:.

"Very well," Deborah said, "I will go with you.  But because of the way you are going about this, the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will hand Sisera over to a woman" (Judges 7:9).  (Deborah was not talking about herself, but another woman who would play a major role in the enemies' ultimate defeat. See Judges 4:17-24). Apparently Barak did not trust in the power of God and insisted that this woman of faith accompany him onto the battlefield. 

Deborah reprimanded Barak for his lack of faith, but she did not shame him nor did she step in and do his job for him.  She acknowledged that he was the warrior who was to lead the men into battle and she was the prophetess who was to encourage and inspire.  Deborah didn't take the lead, but rather worked with Barak to accomplish God's goals. She accompanied him to the battlefield, and when it came time for the attack, she spurred him on with encouraging words.

Barak was inspired by this amazing woman.  She pumped courage into his failing heart and he did indeed follow God into battle.  She taught him not to focus on the nine hundred iron chariots of the opponents but on the mighty arm of God.  That day, the LORD confused Sisera and Israel easily routed their enemy.  Afterwards, Deborah and Barak sang a duet celebrating the nation's victory.

What can we learn from the power of Deborah's words?  Her encouragement spurred Barak to become all that God had called him to be.  She not only gave him the gift of encouraging words, but she walked with him to the battlefield as well.  Her words not only bolstered Barak's courage, but stoked the smoldering embers of the entire army.  She stayed true to her calling as an encourager and helped Barak stay true to his as a warrior. She didn't try to be a one-woman show, but worked with others to fulfill God's purposes in their lives.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, thank You for women like Deborah who show us how to use our words to encourage those in leadership roles. Help me to encourage others to be all You've created them to be and fulfill Your call on their lives.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Go back and read the entire story mentioned in today's devotion. It's found in Judges 4.

What can you learn from Deborah's actions toward Barak?

How can that apply to your role in the church or in your marriage?

I'd love to hear your thoughts about Deborah. What about her role as a judge means the most to you?

More From The Girlfriends
Don't you just love studying God's Word?  Sharon has written several Bible studies that are available on her website, http://www.sharonjaynes.com/.  Today's devotion is taken from The Power of a Woman's Words.

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 26, 2010 

First Class Living 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
John 10:10 (NLT) "Jesus said, "My purpose is to give life in all its fullness."

Friend To Friend
I will never forget the first time I flew first class. Dan and I were on our way to North Carolina for a few days of much needed vacation. We were both exhausted, having just returned from a wonderful but grueling mission trip to Peru. I couldn't wait to get on that plane, grab a pillow and blanket and sleep my way to North Carolina. 

When I spotted an abnormally long line of people and realized it was the check-in line for our gate, my attitude took a nose dive. I was tired. I was hungry. We had missed both breakfast and lunch in order to make our flight and that tiny little pouch of honey roasted peanuts waiting for me on board the plane was just not going to cut it! Oh, and did I mention how much I hate to wait - for anyone or anything? Patience is definitely not one of my strongest qualities.

Suddenly, a man dressed in a pilot's uniform stepped up to the ticket counter. "He looks familiar," I thought to myself, but since Dan was the pastor of a large church in town, we often ran into people who attended one of the five weekend services. My husband is great at remembering names and faces, but me - not so much. The fact that the pilot looked familiar did not register as pertinent information - until he waved in our direction and said, "Please step forward."

Wait! Was he talking to us?

"Pastor Dan and Mary, will you please step up to the counter?" the pilot repeated. Dan immediately recognized him as John Littleton, a new believer who was attending the church.

"I knew you were a pilot, John, but I didn't realize that you worked for this airline," Dan said. Things were definitely looking up. Maybe I could score two pouches of honey roasted peanuts.   

"Where are you headed?" my new best friend asked. When we told him, John promptly moved us from coach to first class and escorted us past all of the other waiting - and now glaring - passengers. I was a little uncomfortable "cutting" in line, but any hesitation on my part quickly faded as John showed us to our seats and instructed the stewardess to take good care of his "pastors." I love that man!

I soon discovered that I was a real person in first class, assigned to a spacious and extremely comfortable leather recliner where I actually had room to move and breathe without assaulting the person next to me. My meal was not wrapped in paper and they actually trusted me with real eating utensils. I was presented with cloth napkins, hot food, good movies, current magazines and a stewardess who seemed totally committed to my comfort.

I immediately decided that I was born to fly first class! The only problem with that decision is that I simply cannot afford to purchase a first class airline ticket. Someone will have to buy it for me.

You and I were created to live a full and abundant life - a first class kind of life. In John 10:10, Jesus said, "My purpose is to give life in all its fullness."   

The good news is that Jesus has already paid the price, not only for our "ticket" to heaven, but for a life of purpose and power here on earth. We cannot begin to understand all that God's "fullness" holds but I do know that what He wants for me far exceeds anything I could possibly imagine. And I can imagine a lot.

God is calling you to follow Him. He is asking for 100% commitment and, in return, He will fill your life, now and eternally, with the fullness that only comes through knowing and serving the Master. Don't settle for anything less than living life - first class.

Let's Pray
Father, my heart hungers for Your power to flow through my life. I choose to obey You. I will seek You with my whole heart and I will follow You wherever You lead me. I know that Your plan for my life is amazing and I don't want to miss any of it. Today, I choose to set aside my agenda and rest in the abundant life only You can give.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
If you could choose one word to describe your life journey so far, what would it be?  Explain.

Explain the statement that God is your source. What does that really mean in your life? What other "sources" have you counted on? Did they lead to success or failure?

What "wants" have been a hindrance to the abundant and full life God has for you?  What steps of obedience are you willing to take in order to control those "wants"? 

More From The Girlfriends
It is easy to live an entire life - just doing the next thing on the list. God has so much more for you! Surrender! Give Him permission to capture your heart. Yield to God's abundant plan and experience what it is like to live - first class.

If you or someone you love struggles with depression, I encourage you to read my book, Hope in the Midst of Depression. I have been in that dark pit and know what it is like to long for just a sliver of light. The good news is that there really is hope and a way out of that pit.

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, When an Ordinary Woman Meets an Extraordinary God. If you enroll now, you will also have access to all of the 2010 studies. Check it out!

Need a friend? Connect with me on Facebook or through email. How are you dealing with the sandpaper people in your life? Someone needs to hear your story! 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]

October 27, 2010 

Hush my Mouth
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye!  How can you say to your brother, 'let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:3, 4 NIV).

Friend to Friend
I couldn't believe it. The announcement of one of the most important days of my life...my dream come true... and there was a misprint!  A horrible misprint.  My husband and I got married in a small eastern North Carolina town, on a beautiful August afternoon. There's not a lot going on in Rocky Mount, so weddings and funerals get full coverage.  My wedding picture, in all its bridal glory, was a 4x5 crisp black and white photo displayed in the local section of the paper. Under my smiling face read the caption...Mrs. Steven Hush Jaynes.

I was mortified!  My mother-in-law did not have a lapse in judgment when Steve was born.  She did not name him HUSH.  His middle name is Hugh. Oh my goodness.  What were those people thinking?  How could they be so careless?  Didn't they realize I would cut that picture out and put it in my wedding album for all eternity?  Didn't they understand the teasing that would surely follow that misprint? Didn't they understand how important this was? Hush!  I was furious.  My only hope was that the even smaller town where I was actually born would also run the wedding announcement.  They did.  A few days after discovering the "hush" dilemma, the tiny newspaper from Spring Hope, North Carolina arrived.  I unfolded the page and there, as big as day, was my wedding picture.  This one was 5 x 7 and underneath it read...Mrs. Steven Hush Jaynes.  Oh my glory!  Now I was crying.

On the same day, I received the newspaper from my husband's hometown of over 500,000.  Underneath my itty bitty wedding picture were the words...you guessed it...Mrs. Steven Hush Jaynes!

Suddenly the truth began to sink in.  This was not the error of inept newspapers.  It was my fault.  When I print, I'm a bit sloppy and my "g" seldom closes, looking like an "s."  I guess it looks a lot like an "s." So now it was time for me to hush.

Have you ever been in a situation where you were blaming someone for a mishap and suddenly realized you were the one at fault?  Have you ever pointed the finger at someone and then realized you were the problem?  Jesus said it this way, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye!  How can you say to your brother, 'let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:3, 4)

I have since learned that when you point a finger at someone, there are at least three other fingers pointing back at yourself.  The best way to avoid that is not to point the finger at someone in the first place.

Jesus went on to say, "First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye" (Matthew 7:5).  I don't know about you, but I have plenty of sawdust in my own life to keep me busy.

I still put the newspaper announcements in our wedding album.  It is a great reminder of two truths.  Number one: August 16, 1980 was one of the happiest days of my life.  Number tw when I start casting blame or pointing out faults, I need to take a good look in the mirror and hush. 

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes I am so quick to blame someone else for my mistakes.  Help me to always examine my own heart and let You take care of the rest.  Thank You for the embarrassing reminders that I am a work in progress and You are not finished with me yet.
In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Can you think of a time when you blamed someone else for a difficult situation only to discover that you were the problem?

Can you think of a time that you wish you had "hushed up" instead of getting upset with someone?

Today was a fun devotion.  I hope it made you smile.  Now, to finish it off, read Job 40:4b and make it part of your day.  As you read it, think about this...Your hand is made to perfectly fit over your mouth.  I wonder if that was Divine DesignJ

Does today's devotion remind you of an incident where you pointed a finger and it came right back at you?  I hope you can laugh at it today?  Click on www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes and tell me your story.

More From The Girlfriends
Words!  They are difficult to control sometimes.  If you would like to learn more about how to use your words wisely, you'll want to read The Power of a Woman's Words by Sharon Jaynes.  And for a more in-depth look at what God's Word has to say about the words we speak, see The Power of a Woman's Words Bible Study Guide.

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 28, 2010 

Family Matters 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up."

Friend To Friend
What a crazy day it had been! It was a day probably like many of yours. I was a young mom with two small children. My husband was the youth pastor at a large church in town. I taught a weekly Bible study for senior high girls and directed a youth choir that practiced one night a week and sang for the early worship service every Sunday. We hosted a youth bible study in our home every Monday night ... and, well, you get the idea. My schedule was almost to the point of ridiculous and I was exhausted most of the time. But this particular day had been crazier than most. Both kids had a cold and were grumpy because they didn't feel well. The house was a mess, the laundry was piled high and I had a meeting at church that night. I was counting the minutes until my husband came walking through the front door. I needed rescuing. 

The phone rang. "Honey, I won't be able to make it home before church visitation tonight," Dan said. He sounded so tired that I could not muster up one ounce of anger.  Instead, I shifted into overdrive - snatching both kids off of the backyard swing and away from neighborhood friends - plopping them in the bathtub for a quick rinse, impatiently shoving little arms and legs into clean clothes and spooning food into little mouths before firmly depositing both kids in their car seats. Off we went to church for the third night in a row.

At a stop sign, I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw two miserably silent children, tears streaming down their sad little faces. I heard His voice, "Mary, what are you doing and who are you doing it for?" My heart broke. I suddenly realized that I was running the race of life for the wrong audience. Turning the car around, I headed home.

"Hey guys! Would you like to go home, put on your pajamas, make some cookies and watch a movie with me?" Cheers and clapping erupted from the back seat as tears gave way to smiling faces and laughter and giggles filled the car and my heart. It has been over twenty years and I still remember that precious night of ministry.

Women are so busy. As believers, we delight in finding creative ways to touch hearts and are often passionate about introducing those hearts to God's love, forgiveness and transforming power - and rightly so. However, I wonder how many of us miss the hungry hearts that greet us each morning across the breakfast table or wait for us to come home each night. Do we overlook a child's silent longing for the kind of love that is spelled "t-i-m-e?" Do we miss the opportunity to encourage a weary husband who has, once again, returned home without a job? When was the last time you gave your parents a hug and thanked them for everything they have done for you over the years? Do your grandparents know how valuable their legacy of love and wisdom is to you? We make the erroneous assumption that the people in our life know how we feel about them. Do they? And even if they do know, wouldn't it be great to tell them again?   

It is so easy to lose focus and scramble priorities. We get so busy doing good things and miss one of the highest things God created us to do - family. Our public life is only as valid as our private life. Family is the perfect framing for God's highest work, the litmus test for authentic service and our greatest opportunity to meet needs in His name.

Being involved in a church is a good and right thing. Providing creative outlets such as sports or music for our children is a wonderful gift. We just need to make sure we are not substituting activities for the time we should be spending together as a family.   

When our daughter, Danna, was a little girl, one of her favorite activities was to color a page in what she called her "special" coloring book. The book had several "special" pages, one in particular being a dull, gray picture of a butterfly. Frankly, I couldn't understand her excitement. When I asked why she liked that picture so much, Danna grinned and said, "Watch, Mommy!" She rubbed her little hands together to create warmth; then laid them on the butterfly drawing. The touch of her hand caused the special inks in the printing to react and the dull gray was transformed into a vivid rainbow of color.

Everyone is hungry for the warm touch of someone who cares - a word of kindness, an act of compassion, a hug of encouragement. I believe God created the family to be the first place where that hunger is best satisfied. Yet, I am amazed that we can stand in silence, watching homes, marriages and families disintegrate before our very eyes.  Silence is agreement. It is time for us, as women of God, to boldly stand against anyone and anything that undermines our marriage or threatens the solidarity of our family.

Let's Pray
Father, thank You for the family You have given me. Please grant me the wisdom to know how I can best serve and minister to them in Your name. Help me to set priorities that reflect You and Your plan, and give me the strength and discipline to live by those priorities. Show me how to love and disciple each member of my family and lead them to become Your fully devoted followers.

In Jesus' name,

Amen. 

Now It's Your Turn
Family is God's idea. In fact, He created the family before He established the church. I believe God is calling us to pour encouragement into those people we call family. Read the following verses. Beside each verse, write the name of a family member who needs the truth contained in that particular verse. Now make a plan to do something about it!

Isaiah 35:3 "Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way."

Galatians 6:2 "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Psalm 10:17 "You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry."

Ecclesiastes 3:12 "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Hebrews 3:12 "Encourage one another daily." 

More From The Girlfriends   

The approaching holidays may be a difficult time for you or for someone in your family that struggles with depression. I encourage you to read my book, Hope in the Midst of Depression. I have been in that dark pit and know what it is like to long for just a sliver of light. The good news is that there really is hope and a way out of that pit.

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, When an Ordinary Woman Meets an Extraordinary God. If you enroll now, you will also have access to all of the 2010 studies. But hurry! This offer ends soon! Check it out!

Need a friend? Connect with me on Facebook or through email. How are you dealing with the sandpaper people in your life? Someone needs to hear your story! 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]

October 29, 2010   

A Fresh Brewed Faith 

Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:29-31, NIV).

Friend To Friend
Every morning I walk straight to the coffee pot and push the ON button. I'm a total coffee girl. I like a piping-hot, extra dark roast with half and half, and I struggle to function without my first cup of coffee. I crave that first sip and relish the warmth of the mug in my hands. I jokingly call it my "warm, happy friend." My mornings just wouldn't be the same without coffee! J

We should have the same attitude about our faith. We should wake up each morning bursting at the seams to be with God. To be in His presence. To listen for His still small voice. To savor Him. A faith that is brewed fresh daily strengthens us, renews us, and enables us to mount up with wings like eagles. To experience the power of God in our lives. To run and not grow weary. To walk and not faint.

This energizing, percolated faith is readily available to all who ask, seek and knock (Matthew 7:7-8). How can you experience this power in your life? By getting alone with God, reading the Bible, and listening for His voice each day. "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17, ESV).

Like a morning with no coffee, there are times when we are sluggish in our faith. There are times we need a shot of God-caffeine in our day. A spiritual espresso. What can we do at these times? Are there things in the Scriptures that tell us how can we strengthen and jump-start our faith? Absolutely!

One practical way to build your faith is by remembrance. When David was just a shepherd boy, he had courage to face a giant partly because he remembered the previous victories the Lord allowed him to experience. He approached King Saul with great confidence, saying: "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1Sam 17:36, NIV). His past victories fueled his faith. Ours do the same. We can face our giants with equal confidence when we pause to remember how God has worked in our past.

Corrie Ten Boom said, "Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible."

What has God brought you through in the past? Think on these things, and choose to trust Him to bring you through all you will face today and tomorrow. When you trust God with a fresh brewed faith, He will be your Strength, your Sustainer, and your Hiding Place so you can run and not grow weary - walk and not be faint. Fill up your faith cup right now.

Let's Pray
Dear God, You have brought me through so many challenging times. Please give me a fresh shot of faith that equips me to live today in Your strength. Help me to trust you, and keep me from leaning on my own understanding.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn 

Read 1 Samuel 17.

Consider specific times that God has moved in your life. Grab a journal and list them out.

Pray for God to increase your faith and give you the strength you need for today.

More From The Girlfriends
Facing any giants? God will strengthen you for the battle. Arm yourself in the power of the Spirit of GOD (Ephesians 6:10-18). When you do, no weapon formed against you can prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Go, fight, win, girlfriend!

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

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

GOT FACEBOOK? Visit Gwen's page at www.Facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic. While you're there, be sure to listen to a few songs, leave a message on her wall, and add her as a friend!

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


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

[Judy Harder]

November 1, 2010 

Did Martha Stay in the Kitchen? 

Sharon Jaynes   

Today's Truth   

Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. John 11:5 

Friend to Friend   

I just love the story of Mary and Martha.  If you're not familiar with it, go back and read it.  It won't take long.  You can find it in Luke 10:38-42. 

Now let me ask you this?  What do you think Martha did after Jesus walked out of the kitchen to resume His teaching?  We are not told.  Luke simply goes on to another story and leaves us with Martha holding the spoon and Jesus holding the door.

M.L. del Matro, in his book, All the Women of the Bible, re-tells stories of Biblical women in narratives that paint beautiful landscapes with the simple outlines given in the Scriptures.  In his story of Martha he writes that Martha was freed from "the imprisoning, lethal order she craved, so that she could live."  He went on to say:

After that amazing meal, order gradually became less and less her god, less the air she needed for breathing and more simply a product of her active giving and receiving of love.  She learned to relax and let other people do what they did best without feeling challenged or threatened, because she learned what she could be, was in fact, loved for who she was, not for what she did and how she did it.  That was how her service was becoming service in reality, not just a disguise for control nor a means to prevent her own annihilation.  That "better part" became her choice as well, thanks to Him." (M.L. del Mastro, All the Women of the Bible, (Edison, NJ: Castle Books, 2004), p. 270)

Have you ever wondered why the story of Martha steamed up in the kitchen was included in the gospel in the first place?  It's not about a healing, deliverance, or absolution of sin.  It is not one of Jesus' parables or related to his journey to the cross.  Think about it.  I believe the story is included as an example of how Jesus came to set women free...free to become his disciples, to sit at His feet, and to join the classroom that had previously been reserved for men.  I believe it is included to help women see just what is truly important in this life.

So what did Martha do after she walked back into the kitchen?  I'll tell you what I think she did.  I think she stewed a bit more - at least for the rest of the day.  But at some point, Martha took Jesus up on His invitation to join him in the classroom.  She became a disciple as well.  How do I know?  Because of her response to Jesus' pop quiz after Lazarus died. "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world," she replied.  Yes, she passed with flying colors.

Our last glimpse of Martha is at Simon's dinner party where Mary anointed Jesus' body with perfume and prepared him for burial.  And where is Martha?  Why, she's in the kitchen serving.  Being a disciple of Jesus Christ does not release us from our day-to-day activities and responsibilities.  We still cook dinner, vacuum the house, dust the furniture, go to the office, drive carpool and fold laundry.  But knowing Jesus gives us the freedom to serve joyfully, giving to others out of the overflow of our relationship with the Savior.  God didn't change her natural bent toward serving, but did change her sinful bent toward complaining, projecting her expectations, and attempting to control others.

Yes, at this final party, Martha was serving in the kitchen.  She wasn't fussing about it - worried, bothered, and distracted because Mary wasn't doing her part.  After all, Mary was right where she belonged.  This time Martha served with a new attitude of thanksgiving and praise for the One who had set her free.

She was free to be who God had created her to be...Martha.  And Jesus loved her (John 11:5).

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I am so glad You opened the door for women to learn and become Your disciples.  Help me never forget the wonderful privilege I have to open Your Word and spend time in Your presence every day.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now it's Your Turn
Martha's response to Jesus about the resurrection proves that she had spent time at Jesus' feet.  What responses to others in your life would let them know that you have done the same?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's devotion.  Log onto www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes and let's chat!

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 toward 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.  To order this life-changing book, visit www.sharonjaynes.com.  You'll fall in love with Jesus all over again.

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