Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

February 9, 2011 

God Can Resurrect Your Marriage from the Ashes 

Part 2   

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"So I prophesied as he [God] Commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet-a vast army," (Ezekiel 37:10 NIV).

Friend to Friend
I can hardly wait for you to read the rest of the story from yesterday. If you missed it, please go back and read it first. Here's where we left off...Now friends, the next part of the story is what Dr. Phil did not tell you. God began working on Jona's heart. She didn't change because of a self-help book or a ten step program, but because of the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit. Do you want to know what really happened? Do you want to know what Dr. Phil did not tell his viewers? Grab a cup of coffee and keep reading.

God took Jona to a place of repentance and began to soften, remold and remake her very heart. That's what God does. He doesn't try to cover up our flaws; He starts from scratch and makes us new. While the divorce was final, God was only just beginning to work on Jona's heart.

"God took me to a place of repentance," Jona explained. "For the first time, through a support group, I saw clearly what I had done to destroy my marriage. I had always blamed our problems on Don changing jobs so often, but the real problem was my lack of respect for the God appointed leader of my home. I was the real problem and Don simply couldn't take it anymore. I had rejected Don with my words, my appearance, and my withdrawal of physical touch."

Whether or not God could salvage the marriage, Jona made a commitment that she would allow God to salvage her.

Jona's heart longed to be reunited to Don, but her ultimate goal was to become the woman God wanted her to be. She immersed herself in Bible study and prayer, and began to take an interest in her appearance. Interesting, as the pounds began to drop, so did the scales that had covered her eyes.

"I began to understand what God's Word said about the relationship between a husband and wife. I was not Don's Holy Spirit. I was not the leader of my home. God had called me to respect Don as the leader, to honor him as a child of God, and to love him with my all. One day when Don came to pick up our two boys, I shared with him what I had been learning."

"I told Don that I knew that we are divorced, but I was making a commitment to submit to him. I didn't when we were married, but I did from that time forward."

"That's fine," he told me. "But you need to know I'm moving on with my life."

"You can move on," I said, "But I'm staying right here."

Jona continued to encourage Don and give him her BEST.

"BEST stands for bless, edify, share, and touch," she explained. "I began to touch him when he came by the house. I'd pat his back or give him a quick hug. When I knew he was coming, I'd put on a nice dress and fix my hair. I'd tell him I was proud of how he was handling the boys and share with him what God was teaching me. Some people told him I was trying to trick him and that he should ignore me. But it wasn't a trick. God had changed my heart and I was committed, no matter what happened between us in the future, to never go back to being that bitter woman I had been before."

"Sharon, I hate to tell you this," she said, "but for the first time, I prayed for Don. I had never prayed for him before, but now I pray for him all the time."

Jona lost the added pounds and gained a beautiful glowing countenance. It was amazing. More than the change in her physical appearance, the glow of Jesus Christ shone through her radiant face.

Don was confused at times and a bit leery of the change. "Why do you think I'm wonderful, all of a sudden?" he asked her.

"Because now I see you through God's eyes," she explained. "I see that you are a wonderful man."

Don fell in love with Jona all over again. No, it wasn't a trick - it was a miracle. God has given them a second chance. They were remarried on August 24, 2003. Oh how I love God ... He is the God of second chances.

Dear friends, Jona has so graciously allowed me to tell you her story because she has decided that she will do anything to help one woman not make the same mistakes she has made. She cried and cried all through the recounting of the story, and relived the pain...for you. "God allowed me to go to a terrible place," Jona explained. "My prayer is that others will not have to go to that place before they wake up and realize what they are doing to their men." 

And that...is what Dr. Phil did not tell you.

Let's Pray
Dear LORD, help me be the woman my husband needs for me to be. Help me to stop concentrating on his faults and failures, but start looking at my own. Show me. Teach me. Empower me. 

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
I know Today's Truth seems like a strange verse. It is! Go back and read Ezekiel chapter 37. If God can do that with a bunch of dry bones, just think what He can do with your marriage!

Is God telling you there is something you need to do differently in your marriage?

Let's chat, visit www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes and tell me how changes you have made have affected your marriage.

More From The Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's book, Becoming the Woman of His Dreams: Seven Qualities Every Man Longs For. Sharon interviewed hundreds of men to see what they really wanted in the woman of their dreams, and their answers are there for you to see! If you would like to have a husband who is sorry to leave home in the morning and eager to return, 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]

February 10, 2011 

Take This Job and Love It! 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be" (Psalm 139:16, NIV).

Friend To Friend
We all want to be successful in our work. Your office may be downtown or just inside your front door. Your work clothes may be an elegant suit or ragged jeans and a stained t-shirt. You may be paid in cash or with crayon drawings and sticky kisses. It doesn't really matter because none of these things alone makes us successful in the work place.

Many people never experience success in their work because they are in the wrong work to begin with. Not me. As a high school student, I knew exactly what I wanted to be - a nurse. My mother was a nurse and I wanted to be just like her so I signed up to be a student volunteer at the hospital where my mother worked. When I told her the good news, she thought for a moment and then simply said, "That's great, honey. You'll make a wonderful nurse."

On my first day, I eagerly donned the required red and white striped uniform and reported for duty. The head nurse welcomed me and explained that I would be checking each patient to make sure they had water to drink, magazines to read and a listening ear. That sounded simple enough. "Oh, and one more thing," she continued. In retrospect, I should have instantly recognized the danger in those words and run for the nearest exit. In my ignorance, I stayed. "Since we are short-handed, I may ask you to do just a few things to help the other nurses on duty," she said. "No problem" I assured her.

At that precise moment, a scream pierced the air! The head nurse calmly looked at me, smiled and said, "Could you check on that, please?" Surely, I had misunderstood her. "Now!" she continued. Taking a deep breath, I headed in the direction of the scream, praying that that it was nothing more than the celebratory cry of someone who had just won a million dollars.

As I neared the room in question, a bedpan flew through the doorway in front of me, landing at my feet. Furthermore, the bedpan was not empty. I decided right then and there that nursing was not for me, turned in my candy cane apron and raced for the nearest exit. Mama was waiting for me as I stepped off the elevator. She smiled, handed me the cars keys and simply said, "See you at home." Fortunately, I had a wise and wonderful mother who knew me well and from that day on encouraged me to be the teacher God created me to be.   

I truly believe many people are living stress-filled lives because they have never sought and discovered God's plan and are trapped in jobs and careers that simply do not fit. Every day, they feel like the proverbial round peg being jammed into a square hole - a painful and frustrating process.

What does fit is God's plan. In Psalm 23:3, David writes, "He leads me in paths of righteousness." In this verse "righteousness" simply means "right things." The Shepherd has a plan for His sheep. Unfortunately, so does everyone else. The difference is that God's plan is filled with the "right things" He shaped and created us to do while the agendas of others tend to service their own purposes instead of God's. God empowers His plan, but when we step into our own agenda or a plan created by anyone else, we are stepping into and relying upon our frail, limited strength. Soon, we will be empty and stress will flood in, filling the emptiness with anxiety and tension. Don't waste another day just doing the "next" thing. Take a long, hard look at your work, your job, and your agenda to make sure you are in the right place - doing what you were created to do in this world.

You have probably heard the statement, "I climbed the ladder of success, and when I reached the top, I realized it was leaning against the wrong wall." Not long ago, I came to a crossroads in my life that made me question the path I was taking in ministry. I asked God to either change me and the way I was doing ministry or change my ministry. He did both! Once again, I realized that God wants the highest and best things for my life. That really is His plan. Don't settle for anything less.   

Let's Pray
Father, I want to follow Your plan for my life. Help me to walk in daily obedience so that Your unique and perfect plan for my life will naturally unfold before me. And when I am discouraged or stressed because of the work I am doing, give me Your peace and the assurance that I am in the right spot doing the right things You created me to do.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
The amazing truth is that more than we want to know God's plan for our life - He wants us to know it and stands ready to guide us. God always reveals His plan to an obedient and seeking heart. Are you willing to do whatever God asks you to do?

Read Jeremiah 29:11 and record it in your journal. "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" (NIV). 

Seek God and ask for His direction.   

Seek His will by searching His Word.

Pay attention to the passion of your heart.

Realistically evaluate your abilities.

Take into account your natural talents. 

Consider the advice of those who know you best.

Then step out in faith, trusting God to help you make the right choice. 

More From The Girlfriends
God gives us His truth to learn and then to apply. God has a unique plan or "recipe" for each one of us. Our greatest opportunity for success is to live that plan. I believe God tucks into our very soul a discontentment with anything but His life "recipe." If we approach each day searching for His handprints in every situation, choosing to walk in obedience to His Word, we will surely find ourselves right in the middle of God's purpose and plan.

Mary's Bible Study Take This Job and Love It, offers six principles from the life of the Proverbs 31 woman that will help you be successful in your work, no matter where you work or what your job may be. Study guide included.

It's not too late to enroll in Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey, and have access to all of 2011 studies. The current topic is How to Handle Hurt. We will experience pain and hurt but we can learn how to handle the hurt in a way that honors God and assures a life of victory.

Need a friend? Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.   

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


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

[Judy Harder]

February 11, 2011 

What's the Plan? 

Mary Southerland

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 have come to the conclusion that many of our problems stem from the fact that we are not prepared to run the race of life. Some people are not even sure what kind of race they are in and wonder where the finish line is or if there really is a finish line. It seems that we are busier than we have ever been but accomplishing less and experiencing fewer successes than ever before. Stephen Wright says, "I think God is going to come down and pull civilization over for speeding." Can you relate?

I believe Christians should be goal-oriented and focused people. Setting goals is not about what I want to do with my life as much as it is what God wants to do in and through my life. Someone once said that goals are the "rudder of our lives, and God's wisdom is the wind filling the sails." Should Christians make plans and set goals in life? Absolutely!  Is goal planning Biblical? Yes!  In fact, we were created in response to God's plan. Psalm 139:13 says God created our "inmost being" and "knit" us together in our mother's womb. We were created for a reason and God has a specific plan for each one of us. 

God has always had plans and has set goals according to those plans. God created the world with a plan in mind. Can you imagine the bedlam creation would have caused if God had not had a set plan and goal? Part of God's plan is for each of us to have a personal relationship with Him. The forgiveness of our sin is part of God's plan. When Jesus came to earth, it was again part of God's plan as were His life, death, burial and resurrection. God does not ordain chaos and is a God of order and peace - not confusion and turmoil. He wants us to live with purpose and joy and that means we must learn how to plan and set goals that please Him and line up with His Word. Fitzhugh Dodson said, "Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination." 

I have a friend who believes that setting goals is a worldly and unspiritual habit. She has no real schedule to speak of, makes no concrete plans and sets no goals. In other words, she aims at nothing. Why? She says that she wants to be free to do what God tells her to do. She prays before making the smallest decision. That concept sounds very right and very spiritual, doesn't it? Prayer is definitely an essential part of setting life goals and plans but my friend has taken this concept to a whole new level - one I believe to be dangerous. She prays about whether she should go to work or church, clean her house, pay her bills, buy groceries, pick up her mail ... you get the idea. There are a couple of problems with her way of thinking and living.

First, she is basing the leadership of God in her life on her feelings. We cannot always trust feelings because they are fickle and can easily change with each circumstance. If Jesus Christ had based His life on feelings, He would never have gone to the cross. In the garden, Jesus prayed and asked if "this cup could pass from Me" (Matthew 26). He did not feel like being crucified but He knew it was God's plan and purpose for His life - and so He chose to endure Calvary. If Jesus had based His plans on feelings, He would never have let one of His best friends, Lazarus, die; but He did, because there was a higher plan in place. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, God received more glory than He would have if Jesus had only healed His friend. We must learn to plan and set goals instead of relying upon feelings to guide us through life. 

Second, my friend assumes that God does not lead us to plan or set goals. The apostle Paul constantly made ministry plans as did Jesus Christ and His disciples. Jesus planned to go through Samaria where He met the woman at the well. Paul planned trips to the various churches he served. In fact, the Bible is filled with accounts of men and women who made plans as God led them. 

I have another friend who religiously follows her daily list of things to do to the point that if it is not on the list then it is not of God and it is not going to happen. Having a rigid and inflexible set of plans or goals is just as wrong as having no plans or goals at all. God not only gave us a mind to use but a heart as well. Some people live as if they are omniscient when setting goals and making plans.

Only God is omniscient and has our tomorrows under control. Matthew 6:34 says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." My friend who makes no plans and sets no goals uses this verse to substantiate her position when the opposite is true. We do not have to worry about tomorrow because we are living according to God's plan and purpose reflected in our plans and goals today. 

Setting goals is serious business. We should not be so anxious about life that we make rigid plans which are beyond our capacity to keep, nor should we be so lazy that we make no plans at all. The balance is found when we truly and humbly seek God and His plan and then step out in obedience to make our life goals a reality. 

Let's Pray
Father, I need Your direction and guidance in my life. I really want to do what You created me to do. Show me the steps I need to take in order to walk in obedience and faith and then give me the strength to take those steps.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Take the time this week to review and evaluate 2010. What goals did you achieve? Record your answer in your journal.

Read Isaiah 30:1: "Woe to the obstinate children," declares the LORD, "to those who carry out plans that are not mine; forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin." What does this verse say about the importance of seeking God's plan for your life?

Read Psalm 20:4: "May he (God) give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed." According to this verse, what is the relationship between the desires of your heart and successful plans?

More From The Girlfriends
I know you have heard the statement, "If you aim at nothing you will hit it every time." If you want to be successful, seek God's plans and goals for your life.

Mary's Bible Study, Take This Job and Love It offers six principles from the life of the Proverbs 31 woman that will help you be successful in your work, no matter where you work or what your job may be. Study guide included.

It's not too late to enroll in Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey, and have access to all of 2011 studies. The current topic is How to Handle Hurt. We will experience pain and hurt but we can learn how to handle the hurt in a way that honors God and assures a life of victory.

Need a friend? Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.   

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


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

[Judy Harder]

February 14, 2011 

The Roman Rules of Marriage

Sharon Jaynes

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

Today's Truth
"[Let your] love be sincere-a real thing" (Romans 12:9, AMP)

Friend To Friend
February is the month we celebrate love, marriage, and sweethearts. But love is more than frilly Valentine's cards, heart-shaped candy, and bouquets of roses or balloons.  Sometimes love is commitment to hard work.

If you are married, here are some questions for reflection: Do I love my husband well?  Do I adore the man God has given to me? Am I admiring him as a child of God? Am I appreciating him for who he is today instead of what he could be if he lived up to my expectations? Am I giving my heart freely or do I make him feel as though he constantly has to earn my love?

Paul gives us some good advice on how to love one another in Romans 12:9-18. 

Love must be sincere. 
Cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another. 
Honor one another above yourself. 
Never be lacking in zeal. 
Be joyful in hope. 
Be patient in affliction. 
Be faithful in prayer. 
Share with God's people who are in need. 
Practice hospitality. 
Bless those who persecute you. 
Rejoice with those who rejoice. 
Mourn with those who mourn. 
Live in harmony with one another.
Do not be proud. 
Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. 
Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 
If it is possible, a far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Now take a look at that list. It is easy to think that Paul is talking about our friends or fellow Christians. But if these are the guidelines for loving our friends, how much more are they guidelines for loving our very own husbands? As Ann Landers once said, "Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is a loyalty through good and bad. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses."

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day as you celebrate your marriage. And if you're not married, celebrate the love you share with friends, family, and your heavenly Bridegroom - Jesus Christ.

Let's Pray
Dear God of Love, I pray that I will love others well today. I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I can overflow Your love to those around me. I know that loving others is Your most important command. Help me to keep that foremost in my mind and in my actions this day.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Go back up to the Roman Rules above. Either write them out or print them off from this devotion. Carry this list in your pocket and glance at them often today. Check up on yourself several times throughout the day to see how you're doing!

If you're brave enough, ask a friend to give you honest feedback on what you do well and what needs improvement.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's devotion. Let's chat at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes.

More From The Girlfriends
February is the month of love and a wonderful time to contemplate our marriages. Do you want to become the woman of your husband's dreams? The woman who makes him sorry to leave in the morning and eager to come home at night? Then you'll want to read Becoming the Woman of His Dreams: Seven Qualities Every Man Longs For by Sharon Jaynes for an insightful look at the wonderful, unique, and God-ordained role only you have in your husband's life.   

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


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

[Judy Harder]

February 15, 2011   

He is Waiting for You   

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"Now as they went on their way, He entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home" (Luke 10:38, NIV).

Friend To Friend
Balance always requires a fierce and ruthless examination of priorities. Our true priorities are not mere lists of activities completed or goals set, but candid reflections of our heart desires.  What we deem important receives the most time, energy, attention and resources. The importance of right and balanced priorities is illustrated by the life of Martha.

Jesus knew that He was always welcome in the home of Martha. Scripture tells us that Jesus "had no place to lay His head" but He often came to this home when He needed to rest or get away from the demanding crowds. At the age of thirty, the Son of God left His natural home and there is no record of His ever returning to live there. He often went to Bethany, to the house of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and even spent His final week on earth there. Jesus didn't have to wonder if He was welcome in this home or if Martha was "ready" for His presence. He knew she was. Can He say the same about us?  Do we have the heart of a seeker, one who lives each day aware of God's presence, His plan and His priorities?

Seeking God begins with recognizing who He is and then inviting Him into our life as Lord and Savior. If He is not Lord of all, then He is not Lord at all. For some of us, the problem is not that we lack a personal relationship with God. Our problem is that we are not "making room" for that relationship. Balance comes when we yield to His plan in the everyday moments of life.

One summer, our family went to Pennsylvania where we visited Amish country. I have always been fascinated by the Amish people and enjoyed every minute spent in their beautiful and carefully ordered world. As our visit came to an end I wanted to buy a souvenir to remind me of the peaceful days we had spent there, but everything I picked up was too expensive. Being a committed shopper, I was not about to let that stop me. We travelled up and down the small hidden back roads of each community, looking for the Amish products known only to a few and to those relentless shoppers who were willing to persevere. I was beginning to lose hope when I spotted the small, white sign posted on the fence of a quaint and absolutely perfect house. "Amish Crafts" it said. This was it!

As we climbed out of the car, a sense of peace settled around us like an old familiar blanket. Our voices immediately dropped to a whisper as we tiptoed up the narrow stone path and gently opened the screen door. When we stepped onto the porch filled with beautiful Amish crafts, a woman came out of the house, welcomed us with a beautiful smile and introduced herself as Mary. She invited us to browse and let her know if we needed any help. I have to admit that I was almost rude in my pathetic attempts to catch a glimpse of her home through the porch windows. Reading my mind, she graciously offered, "Would you like to come in and look around?" I thought she'd never ask!           

Mary's home revealed a world very different from mine and an uncommonly simplistic lifestyle I desperately longed to experience. The house was sparsely furnished with only the necessities but Mary described her life and daily routine with words like "calm, uncomplicated, peaceful and serene." When I asked why she had chosen such a lifestyle she sweetly responded with words of wisdom I will never forget, "I have discovered that when my life and my heart get too crowded there is not enough room for God." Exactly!

An unbalanced life is too crowded for God. It is so easy to relegate our spirituality to religious activity when all He really wants is to spend time with us. When the tears fall, He wants to wipe them away, collecting each one so that He can pour them back into our lives as a refreshing rain of restoration. God longs for us to forever run into His arms, sharing every hurt and rejoicing in every victory. The Father yearns to wrap His strong arms around us, bringing the peace and balance we so desperately need.

Instead, we often relinquish control of our life to unworthy demands dictated by a world that operates in "urgent" gear. We forget what is really important. The important rarely barges in while the urgent is always an offensive intruder. The important waits patiently while the urgent demands its own way, creating bedlam and imbalance. Certainly, there are times when the important is also urgent - but we must learn to discern between the two. We wrongly conclude that a busy life is automatically a productive life and think that a full schedule will surely produce a full heart.

I have great news! He loves who you are more than He loves what you do. Seek Him today. Make room for Him. He is waiting.

Let's Pray

Father, I am too busy and sometimes I feel like my life is spinning out of control. I'm tired of the imbalance I see in the way I live. Help me learn how to establish priorities that please You and reflect Your plan for me. I commit to spending time with You each day, seeking Your wisdom and direction. I love You, Lord.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Are you ready to evaluate your life according to God's priorities? Set aside time today to spend with Him. Grab your journal and record the truths He gives you about how to balance your life.

Ask God to let you see your life through His eyes. Be willing to change what needs to be changed in order to invest your time wisely.   

Determine the top five life priorities of your life - right now. Take a deep breath and brutally examine your calendar and checkbook to see where you spend most of your time and resources. We can give lip service to what we think our priorities should be but until our daily schedule reflects those priorities, we are only "playing at life." 
 
More From The Girlfriends

Choose to keep the commitments you have made today for one month. So much of the Christian walk is wrapped up in the word "choice."  A choice is a deliberate action and purposeful decision.  We can choose where and how we spend our time.   

It's not too late to enroll in Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey, and have access to all of 2011 studies. The current topic is How to Handle Hurt. We will experience pain and hurt but we can learn how to handle the hurt in a way that honors God and assures a life of victory.

Need a friend? Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

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


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

[Judy Harder]

February 16, 2011 

Words Can Captivate Your Man   

Sharon Jaynes 

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

Today's Truth
"A good wife is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds" (Proverbs 31:10, The Message).

Friend To Friend
Today, I want you to use your imagination. I want you to imagine your husband sitting at his desk or at a quiet place at work. Imagine him lost in thought about how blessed he is to have you as his wife. He holds your framed picture in his hand and moisture begins to pool in his eyes. He is captivated.

All the riches in the world are not to be compared with the jewel I have in this woman, he muses. What did I ever do to deserve her? God has given me such a gift. All our married life, she has done nothing but love me, bring out the best in me, and look out for my best interest.  All the guys at the office are envious of our relationship. I see the way their eyes soften when she comes by just to tell me hello, grabs my hand when we're at office functions, or pecks me on the cheek for no apparent reason. I notice that her loving words to me are in stark contrast to some of the cutting remarks of other wives...and so do my friends. I look around at the accomplishments of my life, but having this woman as my wife is my greatest. Oh sure, there are many women out there in the world who are accomplishing great feats, but my wife...well, she surpasses them all.

What a picture! That's the woman I want to be, don't you? And amazingly my words can be the determining factor as to whether this scenario is possible or not. Did you know that there are words your husband longs to hear? Did you know that there are words we should never say? Let me give you a few from my book, The Power of a Woman's Words.

Words to Never Say to Your Husband 

1.      I told you so.   

2.      You just don't think.   

3.      It's your fault.   

4.      What's wrong with you? 

5.      I can't do anything to please you.

6.      All you care about is yourself.   

7.      You never listen to me.   

8.      I don't know why I put up with you.   

9.      What do you want now?   

10.  How many times do I have to tell you?

 


Words Your Husband Longs to Hear 

 

I've been thinking about you all day.
What can I do for you today? 
How can I pray for you today?
The best part of my day is when you come home.
You are one of God's most precious gifts to me. 
You are so wonderful.
You look so handsome today. 
I don't feel complete without you. 
I will always love you. 
I trust your decisions.

Today, be aware of the words you say to your husband. Do they build him up or tear him down? Do they make him glad he came home, or wish he hadn't?

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, please keep watch over my lips today. Help me use my words to speak life to those I come in contact with today. Help me use my words to build up and not tear down.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Why not pick out 1 or 2 phrases from the list of words you husband longs to hear and try them out with your husband today. You might be surprised just how much his eyes light up! When you love your husband well, God says "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"

I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's devotion.  Let's chat at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes.

More From The Girlfriends
February is the month of love and a wonderful time to contemplate our marriages. Do you want to become the woman of your husband's dreams? The woman who makes him sorry to leave in the morning and eager to come home at night? Then you'll want to read Becoming the Woman of His Dreams: Seven Qualities Every Man Longs For by Sharon Jaynes for an insightful look at the wonderful, unique, and God-ordained role only you have in your husband's life.   

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


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

[Judy Harder]

February 17, 2011 

Step Away from the Shore 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"Between three and six o'clock in the morning, Jesus came to them, walking on the water" (Matthew 14:25, NCV).

Friend To Friend
Faith is the ability to trust what we cannot see. John Shedd says, "A ship in harbor is safe--but that is not what ships are built for." Faith is willing to take risks, embrace the unseen and step away from the safety of the shore. We fear the outcome or don't understand the step God has asked us to take. We are afraid to fail and are more concerned about our "reputation" as a Christian than we are about being obedient to God. As long as the enemy can keep us preoccupied with a selfish perspective, our faith is impotent. 

Authentic faith naturally produces action, but faith is hindered unless we abandon ourselves to that faith. Did you know that the African impala can jump to a height of over ten feet and cover a distance of greater than thirty feet? Yet these magnificent creatures can be kept in any zoo by a three-foot wall. The animals will not jump if they cannot see where their feet will land.

Many people say they do believe God is who He says He is and that He is able to do what He says he will do, but falter at the point of believing that God is willing to work in their lives. If we don't believe He is willing to keep His promises, we are not walking in faith. Oh, we find it easy to agree mentally with the truth that we serve a powerful God who loves us and has a great plan for our life, but that belief is worthless until it settles in our hearts and changes the way we live.  If we don't live it, we don't really believe it. If we are not willing to step away from the shore, we will miss so much of what God has for us in life.

The story is told of Will Rogers who came to his friend, Eddie Cantor, for advice. Will wanted to make some important changes in his act but was worried about the danger of such changes, explaining that he wasn't sure if they would work. Eddie Cantor's response was, "Why not go out on a limb? That's where the fruit is!" The same is true of faith. 

Faith believes that God is willing. The life of Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God's willingness to work in our lives. The disciples had personally witnessed God's willingness to save His children. Yet, in Matthew 14, we find them in a boat, caught in a storm, afraid and still questioning God's willingness to rescue them. Did they cry out in fear? Yes! Did He come? Yes!

Jesus came to the disciples, walking on the water, between three and six o'clock in the morning, the darkest time of the night. I have often wished I could have been on that boat with the disciples, waiting for Jesus to show up. I imagine the questions and complaints were flying. "Why would Jesus send us out here, knowing the waves were high? Where is He? Why is He waiting so long to rescue us? Can't He just calm the waves like He did before? I ministered all day long and this is my reward? Is He really coming? I don't understand!" Sound familiar? It does to me.

We are quick to believe the lie that God is angry with us and as a result, will not bless our life or meet our needs. The truth is that God is willing and waiting to pour out His favor and blessings on a life of faith. Hebrews tells us that faith always honors God and God always honors faith.  "Without faith no one can please God. Anyone who comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who truly want to find him" (Hebrews 11:6 NCV). 

I think part of the problem is that we don't know how to define "blessing." A blessing is not always easy, painless, simple, comfortable or expected. A blessing often comes, wrapped in the mystery of darkness. But I am learning this truth - anything that makes us cry out to God can be counted as a blessing. Why? Because when we are desperate and in pain, when we have no answers and the darkness is closing in, we cry out to God, just as the disciples did - and He comes! Not because we have earned His presence or His mercy, but because we cried out with a tiny seed of faith, as His children, knowing He is not only able, but willing to come. Step away from that shore, girlfriend. He will meet you there.

Let's Pray
Father, I come to You today with a faith that seems so small. I want to believe You, Lord. I want to walk by faith, knowing that You will keep every promise You have ever made. Help my unbelief, Lord.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Psalm 86:15 (NIV) "But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness."

Record this verse in your journal. Then make a list of the words in this verse that describe God. What do these words tell you about God's willingness to bless your life?

What is the first step of faith you need to take today? Are you willing to take it right now?

More From The Girlfriends
The "Fear Factor" is not just a television show. Many women deal with paralyzing fear on a daily basis. Fear makes everything seem bigger than it really is, wastes energy and contaminates life itself. Mary's Bible Study, Getting a Grip on Fear uncovers God's plan for peace and identifies five ways to deal with and be free from fear.

It's not too late to enroll in Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey, and have access to all of 2011 studies. The current topic is How to Handle Hurt. We will experience pain and hurt but we can learn how to handle the hurt in a way that honors God and assures a life of victory.

Need a friend? Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email. 

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


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

[Judy Harder]

February 18, 2011   

Drawing Near   

Lori Fairchild

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

Lori Fairchild

Today's Truth
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness' (Jeremiah 31:3).

Friend To Friend
This past Christmas, I lovingly set up my nativity set on the hearth. I placed Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus in the stable surrounded by the animals and the wise men. Because our nativity set comes with an angel, I put the angel and the shepherds a little distance away, as if they were in a field nearby.

A couple of hours later, I looked over at our fireplace to find the shepherds of our nativity set squeezed in next to the wise men in the stable. The angel was there, too. All of the figurines were placed with their faces toward Jesus and their backs to the room. My 7-year-old daughter had rearranged things more to her liking.

I started to move them back - after all, it looked better with the shepherds a little ways off and the figurines facing outward - but then I decided my 7-year-old had it right. She wanted all of the people to be in the stable where they could be near Jesus. So, for the month of December, our nativity set figurines stayed huddled around Jesus, backs to the world, a reminder for us to focus on the most important thing in the world - being near Jesus.

Too often, I spend my time where I had placed the shepherds - a short distance away from Jesus. I'll get close, but not too close. Why? If I get too close then God might ask me to do something that makes me uncomfortable or expect me to deal with the sin in my life. Too often, I want to stand out in the field and hear the wonderful news that Jesus came to save me, but I don't want to do anything about it.

God isn't content to let us be far away from Him. He wants us near. Jeremiah 31:3 says that He draws us near. Have you ever dealt with a skittish animal or a shy child? When you want them to come close to you, you offer them things that they want to draw them in. God offers us the thing that we want more than anything - unconditional love. He loves us for who He made us to be. And He uses that love to draw us closer to Him.

When we're physically close to someone, we can know things about them that we can't know when we're far away. We can read their body language, which gives us clues to knowing what they think and feel. The same is true when we draw near to God. While we can't see Him, we can know Him better. The more we get to know God, the more we become like Him. And the more God can use us to share His love with others.

Girlfriend, God loves you, and He is doing His best to draw you near with His unconditional love and His unfailing kindness. He gave up His son for you. You can choose to stand out in the field, doing whatever you think is important or you can choose to run to God.

When the shepherds heard the good news of Jesus' birth from the angel, they didn't stay in the field. They hurried to the stable - to be near Jesus. Jesus came so that you could do the same.

God is waiting for you to draw near to Him. Unlike the shepherds in our nativity set, you won't have squeeze in - God's arms are big enough for all of us. And He is saving a spot just for you. Draw near today.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing love and Your unfailing kindness that draws me near. I want to draw closer to You and become more like You. Show me the things that are keeping me from drawing near to You today, and help me to remove those obstacles. Bring me closer to You today.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Ephesians 3:17-19. How does it make you feel to know that God's love is more than we can understand, and that He uses that love to draw us near to Him?

Pray and ask God to show you one way that you can take a step closer to Him today. You may need to commit to a daily time with God or commit to joining a ladies' Bible study. Whatever that step is, take it today.

More From The Girlfriends
It's easy to make excuses for not drawing closer to God. I know. I have two girls who play sports. We've got school activities, plus there's work, church and some time for fun. It's easy to say, "I'll squeeze God in tomorrow." The next time you find yourself saying that, stop and find a time in your day to spend with God. Use the time you spend waiting in the carpool line at school or break out your Bible instead of the newspaper at the breakfast table. God is doing His best to draw us near, but we have to start walking in His direction for that to happen. Make the time to spend time with God. You won't regret it.

Want insights into sharing God's word with your children? Check out Lori's blog, Everyday Truth, at http://www.everydaytruth66.blogspot.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]

February 21, 2011
Are Happy Endings Really Possible?
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him" (Psalm 32:2, NIV).

Friend to Friend
I love a good story. I love stories filled with drama, mystery, action, honesty, hope, grit, tension, release, passion, tenderness, love, restoration, and redemption. My favorite stories, however, combine many of these elements and finish with a happy-ending. My heart beats for stories with a happy ending.

There have been days in my life that have been heavy on the tension and light on the release; moments when I've felt deep pain and longed for deep peace; weeks when hope evaded my heart because I had chosen to turn from God's way and defiantly chose Gwen's way and season's when I felt like I had messed up so badly that a happy ending for my life was simply impossible.

Have you ever felt that way? Like there was a great chasm between your life and a happy ending? Have you ever felt like you were in a situation, a relationship or a condition that was un-healable, un-helpable, and un-redeemable? I sure have. I think we all have.

Luke 7 introduces us to a woman who endured her shattered, jagged life publicly. I bet she probably felt like there could never be a happy ending for her life - like hope and healing were for other people, not for her.

She was guilty of something, though we are never told what. She is simply described as a woman "who had lived a sinful life." Though she is nameless to you and me, the people of her town surely knew her name. The Pharisees knew enough to condemn her with judgmental thoughts.

Her sin was public, not private. Yet the public disgrace of this broken, sinful woman became the perfect canvas on which Jesus Christ would paint a beautiful picture of extravagant grace.

"Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them." (Luke 7:36-38, NIV)

Imagine what a scandalous moment this must have been. I'm sure the host was wondering how this uninvited woman managed to get into his home. We know his mind was racing because the next few verses tell us s

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner."

Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."

"Tell me, teacher," he said.

"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"

Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled."

"You have judged correctly," Jesus said.

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."

Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven" (Luke 7:39-48).

Imagine the freedom that flooded her soul when this woman looked up, through tear-filled eyes, into the face of grace for the very first time. Jesus looked beyond her reputation to her regret. Then He forgave her. Not because she had earned forgiveness, but because Jesus loved her.

She was forgiven much, so she loved Him much. Oh, how I can relate to this sinful woman. The love that resides in my heart is so great because the sins I've been forgiven of are so many.

Jesus still loves to extend grace, and I am so thankful. Grace! What none of us deserves, but each of us longs for. In his book, What's So Amazing about Grace? Philip Yancey wrote:

Grace does not excuse sin, but it treasures the sinner. True grace is shocking, scandalous. It shakes our conventions with its insistence on getting close to sinners and touching them with mercy and hope. It forgives the unfaithful spouse, the racist, the child abuser. It loves today's AIDS-ridden addict as much as the tax collector of Jesus' day.

In his book 3:16, The Numbers of Hope, Max Lucado writes, "The heart of the human problem is the heart of the human. And God's treatment is prescribed in John 3:16." It's the verse you've more than likely heard since you were a child. The verse scribbled on cardboard signs and held up at sporting events. The verse that gives hope to each and every one of us: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Why would He lay down His life for you, for me, and for all humanity? In one word: love; perfect, unconditional and doesn't-matter-who-you-are-or-where-you've-been-or-what-you've-done love. God made a new and living way through the blood shed by Jesus Christ so our wounded hearts could be restored...so that everyone of us could experience deep peace, love, forgiveness, and hope. Welcome to your happy-ending story. It's available to each of us who turn our hearts to Him.

The End.

Let's Pray
Heavenly Father, You are above all and beyond all! You are mighty to save, gracious to forgive, and merciful to forget all that I've done wrong.  I praise You for who You are, and thank You for the grace that is at work in my heart and in my life.  Help me to cast aside everything that keeps me from You today, Lord.   

In Jesus' Name, I pray.

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What came to your mind as you read today's devotion? Grab your journal and write about it.

Have you experienced the wonder of grace at work in your life? In what ways? Do you extend that same grace to others? Spend a few moments in prayer. Thank God for His grace.

Print or write out this verse: "Those who look on him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame" (Psalm 34:5). Memorize it and allow it to serve as a reminder that in Christ you are a new creation, and viewed as radiant by our holy Lord.

More From The Girlfriends
Hey friend, I thought I would leave today's devotion with this beautiful blessing from scripture..."The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you" 2 Corinthians 13:14 (MSG).

A portion of today's devotion is an excerpt from Gwen Smith's book, Broken into Beautiful. In Broken into Beautiful, Smith invites you to hear the stories of women with shattered dreams, shameful secrets, and damaged souls...and of the loving, holy God who restores their wounded hearts and makes them beautiful in Him.

GOT FACEBOOK? Connect with Gwen online at www.Facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic. Thousands of GiGs meet there each day to encourage and pray for one another.

LOVE TO WORSHIP? Order a copy of Gwen's new CD, Uncluttered. The songs of Uncluttered are purposed to sweep you away from life-noise and to focus your heart and mind on the one thing that matters: your relationship with Jesus Christ. 

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


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

[Judy Harder]

February 22, 2011   

Prayer Can Change a Marriage 

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"I tell you the truth, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain 'Move from here to there' and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20, NIV).

Friend To Friend
I am always stunned when I hear someone say, "Well, I guess the only thing left to do is pray." My goodness, I've even been shocked to hear the words come out of my own mouth. Prayer should never be seen as a last resort but as a first line of defense. No matter what condition your marriage is in today, prayer will make it better. God can make a bad marriage good and a good marriage great. God's answers to prayer healed the sick, fed the hungry, stopped the rain, kept the earth from revolving on its axis for an hour, divided the Red Sea, poured forth water from a rock, opened wombs, confused enemies, opened jail doors, made leprous skin reform, caused the lame to dance, gave courage to the fearful, and raised the dead. Jesus said, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain 'Move from here to there' and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20).

Have you noticed that it's hard to stay mad at someone when you're praying for them?  Somehow walking into the throne room of God with a pack of anger and resentment strapped on your back doesn't feel comfortable. I've noticed when I'm angry at my husband, and I begin to pray for him (And I'm not talking "God help him when I get a hold of him" type prayers) God begins to soften my heart. The Bible says that God is love and it is difficult to be in Love's very presence and remain angry. Oh, you can stay mad, but it takes a lot of effort.

Sometimes it is hard to pray for our husbands when we're mad at them. But God tells us to "pray for our enemies." How much more should we pray for our God-given, lifelong mate?

I know there are many of you who are reading this devotion with anger or resentment in your hearts. You may be wondering, how did my marriage drift so far from where I hoped it would be? How did my marriage get to this state of desperation, mediocrity, frigidity, mutual tolerance, and co-existence? Is it too late for me? Is it too late for us?

Friend, the answer is no - it is not too late. I have good news for you. God's specialty is resurrection. He excels at bringing life from death. In the Old Testament, there was a couple you may have heard of, Abraham and Sarah.  When Sarah laughed at the angel who said she would have a child at ninety-years-old, the angel said, "Is anything too hard for God?" 

The following year, the joke was on her. She had a baby boy and named him Isaac, which means laughter.

Nothing is too hard for God, my friend. Absolutely nothing. Jesus said, "All things are possible to him (or her) who believes" (Mark 9:23). A baby is born to a dried up womb, fingers and toes materialize on nubs on a leper's hands and feet, sight is given to a man blind from birth, a son is raised right in the middle of his own funeral procession, and the Red Sea is parted and thousands walk across on dry land. Now, tell me, is there anything in your life too hard for a God like this?

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for my marriage today. I pray that you will make me into the woman that You intended all along. Help me to see my husband through your eyes today -as a chosen, dearly loved, child of God.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Today, I'm giving you a list of Bible verses to pray for your husband, from head to toe.  This is your assignment for today...for always. 


Lord, I pray for my husband, from head to toe: 

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

More From The Girlfriends   

There is nothing more important that we can do for our marriages than pray for our husbands. Sharon has these Scripture prayers on a beautiful inexpensive laminated prayer card that fits snuggly in your Bible for quick reference. To order, visit http://admin2.salemwebnetwork.com/cms/article/www.sharonjaynes.com.  While you're there, make sure and check out her book, Becoming the Woman of His Dreams: Seven Qualities Every Man Longs For. 

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