Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

July 8, 2011

Giving and Gaining

Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." (Proverbs 11:25, NIV)

Friend To Friend
I pretty much consider myself to have a black thumb. I like plants and genuinely try to keep plants healthy and thriving in my home, but fail at it a lot more than I succeed. Seriously. Black thumb. So when my girlfriend brought me a baby aloe plant, my heart was torn between girlfriend-gratitude and feelings of sorrow for the innocent little aloe.

A few weeks after she gave me the plant gift, my friend told me a story. She confessed that she struggles to share things. It's just hard for her. She had two aloe plants for a long time but one day she felt a heart-nudge to give one of them to me. (Bless her heart! She obviously knows nothing of my black thumb!) Though she admittedly isn't naturally inclined to give her things away, she said that she decided in her heart that she would give me the small aloe baby.
           
For weeks she had meant to act on that heart-nudge and give me the aloe plant, but just never got around to it. She kept forgetting. She'd think about bringing me the aloe plant when she wasn't home or remember late at night when it was too late to run it by my house. In the back of her mind she thought that one of her plants would surely have an aloe baby offspring ... reasoning that she could just give me that one instead of one of her two plants.

Finally, she remembered. She brought me the cute little healing plant and gave it to me with a smile. Yay! We threw down a happy plant-dance that morning as we shared both a cup of coffee and our hearts in friendship.

So as we sat at my kitchen table again, coffee mugs in hands, she finished her story by excitedly saying, "The most amazing thing happened this week, Gwen! When I walked past the aloe plant that I'd kept for myself, I noticed that a baby aloe plant had sprung up in the pot! It was almost like a little present from God reminding me that I can't out-give Him. That when I trust Him and obey His nudges, He will bless me right back."
           
I nodded and smiled. She's so right. In the Bible God clearly calls us to be generous, and He promises to bless us when we are. God's Word has a lot to say about the tandem between generous giving and blessings.

"Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice" (Psalm 112:5, NIV, emphasis mine).

"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25, NIV, emphasis mine).

"A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor" (Proverbs 22:9, NIV, emphasis mine).

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:6-8, NIV).

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life" (1 Timothy 6:17-19, NIV).

God clearly calls His children to generous living ... no matter what we have, who we are, or where we live. Even the poorest among us are called to live generously. And let's not confuse the matter: it's not about our bank accounts – it's about our hearts. We are to be generous, willing to share, and rich in good deeds for the glory of God. The Scriptural promise we can stand on is that blessings will follow our generosity. When we give freely in obedience to Christ and live open-handed with all that we've been entrusted with, we reap beautiful life benefits.

Where does this promise and prompting find you today? Have you been nudged lately to be generous? Do you struggle to share things, both tangible and intangible?Is God calling you to serve Him somewhere with your time, treasures, or talents? Maybe the thing you need to give is forgiveness to someone or to yourself – or encouragement – or kindness. Got a family member, neighbor, or friend in need? Do something!

Generous living will look different to each of us, but we are all called to give as we live. I was blessed when my friend gave me that baby aloe plant. She was blessed too. God made sure of it. He always does. Friend, consider this truth and ask the Lord to move you missionally and to direct your giving. Today and every day live to give for the glory of God. Good will come of it. He promises ... and that's a promise you can take to the bank!

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, You are perfectly generous. I am blessed by the abundance of Your grace, mercy, love and truth. Help me to live generously and to give open-handedly just as you have with me.

In Jesus' Name I pray,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What came to your mind as you read this devotion?
What are you going to do about it?

More From The Girlfriends
If this devotion resonated with you and if you would like to learn more about how your brokenness can be reworked into a picture of God's beauty, don't miss Gwen's book Broken Into Beautiful. Every step of transformation begins with the heart of God. Broken into Beautiful will take you there.

LOVE MUSIC? Check out 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.

GOT FACEBOOK? Visit Gwen's FACEBOOK PAGE. Thousands of GiGs "meet" there daily to connect and spur one another on in faith. Stop by!

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]

July 11, 2011

The Purpose of Prayer

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9-10 NIV).

Friend To Friend
Prayer is not meant to change God's mind, but to change ours.  Prayer aligns our thinking with God's will.  When we begin our prayer with praise, we take the focus off of ourselves and put it on God.  When we pray for God's will to be done, we take the focus off of our desires and put it on God's desires for our lives.

Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." For those who recite what we've come to know as the Lord's Prayer on a regular basis, it is very important that we never take those words for granted or say them flippantly.  It is the cornerstone, the focus, and the ultimate purpose of prayer. Jesus himself prayed for God's will to be done. In the Garden of Gethsemane, just before his arrest, Jesus prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me."   His prayer was so intense, capillaries burst and droplets of blood trickled down his forehead. And yet, as much as He would have welcomed redemption in any other way than the cross, Jesus prayed, "yet, not my will, but yours be done," (Luke 22:42).

I am so thankful that God has not answered each of my requests with a "yes."  My life would be much different than it is today – and I don't mean for the better. How thankful I am for my Heavenly Father Who knows what's best for me!  He has plans that are "above and beyond all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20) and in order to hear God speak through prayer, we must allow ourselves to think beyond our limited knowledge, to see beyond our limited vision, and to believe beyond our limited understanding.

Prayer turns our focus toward God and allows Him to rearrange our priorities and set our agenda. It is more than unloading our burdens and enumerating our desires. Prayer is more than telling God what we want. It is asking God what He wants.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I don't know what is best for me, but I know You do. Thank You that You don't give me everything I want, but You do give me everything I need.  Lord, help me to recognize when my desires do not line up with Your plans. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Today, many cars come with a GPS (Global Positioning System). How would your day look if God was you GPS navigational system?

How are prayer and Bible study like a GPS for life?

Explain how ignoring a car's GPS and ignoring God's GPS in the Bible might have similar results.

More From The Girlfriends
I want to be a woman who hears God's still small voice every day!  To learn more about how to sense His presence in your life, see my book, Becoming a Woman Who Listen's to God. 

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]

July 12, 2011

Pride and Chiggers

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you (Romans 12:3b, NIV).

Friend To Friend
A famous explorer in South America was once forced to abandon his journey by an almost invisible enemy.  He was equipped to meet leopards, serpents and crocodiles. They proved to be no threat, but what he had failed to consider were the tiny insects called chiggers. They are so tiny that in North America we call them the "no see-ums." Someone composed this poem about these tiny invaders:

                  Here's to the chigger, the bug that's no bigger
                  Than the end of a very small pin;
                  But the itch that he raises simply amazes,
                  And that's where the rub comes in!

Pride and chiggers have a lot in common. Pride comes in little ways, unseen actions, subtle thoughts or inconspicuous comments. Unguarded attitudes and random thoughts are prime breeding grounds for pride.  We must take charge of those thoughts, discipline our attitudes, training our thinking processes to give up and obey God.

Pride loves to take up residence in an undisciplined thought life, changing the setting and dictating attitudes with little or no resistance. When Paul encouraged the believers in Rome to cultivate "sober judgment," he was warning them to take charge of the mind, refusing to allow the entrance of any thoughts that would entertain pride. A disciplined thought life is the very foundation of a victorious journey with God.

I have heard it said that the bigger a man's head gets, the easier it is to fill his shoes. It is not wrong for Christians to recognize and even applaud gifts in our own lives and in the lives of others as long as we remember that spiritual gifts are ours to manage, not to own. Pride draws attention to those God given gifts and tempts us to take credit for their existence and the way in which they are used.

Many of us attempt to find worth and identity in what we do – not in who we are. As a result, our actions are intended to draw the attention of anyone and everyone in a vain effort to establish self-worth. There may be people in your life who are difficult to love. Our responsibility is to love and accept these difficult people without insisting they change or counting on them to change. In order to do that, we must choose grace and humility over pride and censure. Pride vanishes beneath the loving gaze of our Father who simply longs for each one of us to see ourselves through His eyes – no more and no less.

The frontline of battle against pride is in the mind. We must "take our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5, NASB). To take something captive is a military tactic that we must use to guard against pride. It sometimes seems as if pride can actually crawl into my mind and grab hold of any undisciplined thoughts floating around. Pride then flings those random thoughts into my heart as an attitude laced with burning arrogance and prideful perception of who I am in comparison to others.

We can change our lives by changing how we think. We can dictate the attitudes of our heart by fixing our thoughts on God and His truth. The result is peace, which stands against pride, electing humility instead. "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you" (Isaiah 26:3). What does it mean to "fix" our thoughts? Webster's Dictionary defines "fixed" as "rigid, solid or firm." We must learn to fix our thoughts on the truth of God's word. We need to be rigid in controlling our thought processes, holding firm to God's standard for the mind. The result will be a stable way of thinking and living. To prevent pride requires a choice to take charge of our mind.

I once dated a young man I thought was "the one." For some reason, my mother did not like him. Knowing her daughter well, my mother said nothing but I am sure she was on her knees pleading with God to take that young man out of my life. He did. We eventually broke up and my mother finally spilled the beans, explaining why she had a problem with this young man. "If I could buy him for what he's worth and sell him for what he thinks he is worth, I would be a millionaire!" Mama did have a way with words. She was so right! Today, that man is out of ministry, divorced and living a life that is unpleasing to God. His pride robbed him of the best God had for him. Don't let that happen to you, girlfriend. Run from anyone or anything that promotes a prideful attitude. Eliminate the strongholds of pride in your life. Nail your ego to the cross and declare it powerless.  Celebrate the trophy of grace you are in God.

Let's Pray
Father, thank You for the grace You give. Thank You that grace covers all my sin with unconditional love and forgiveness. Help me to walk in that grace, turning away from pride and arrogance. Give me a humble spirit that draws others to You. Help me to see myself through Your eyes and then live out what I see. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
One of my favorite quiet time exercises is to create an acrostic using one word from the passage of Scripture I have read that day, pinpointing and explaining the main truth in the Scripture. Try it! Let me help you get started.

P.         Pompous mindset     

R.        rejected

I.          I sentence my ego to

D.        death

E.         Eliminating pride

More From The Girlfriends
Pride is an ugly thing, isn't it? I have come to realize that I must daily nail my old self to the cross and count it dead if pride is to be defeated in my life. What does that mean? We must constantly choose others first, refusing to enthrone self in any circumstance. Ouch!  It is so easy to promote me instead of others but I am determined to do so. How about you?

Need help? Get Mary's CD - Divine Surprises: 7 Habits of a Successful Woman. Be sure to check out Mary's new weekly Online Bible Study beginning July 18: Stress Management 101. Enroll now and have access to all 2011 lessons. Need a friend? Connect with Mary on Facebookor 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]

July 13, 2011

Paid in Full

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9 NIV).

Friend To Friend
When we ask God to forgive us of our past mistakes and failures, He does. Plain and simple. The Bible promises, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

The original language of the New Testament was Greek. In the Greek, the word for forgiveness is aphieme. The word means to cut someone loose, and it also means to cancel a debt, the remission of the punishment due to sinful conduct.

It involves confession and repentance. To "confess" is more than saying, "yes, I did it."  In the New Testament, the word "confess" is homologeo and means "to speak the same thing, to assent, accord, agree with...to confess by way of admitting oneself guilty of what one is accused of, the result of inward conviction."  Simply put, it is agreeing with God about your sin.

To "repent" means to change your mind and go in the opposite direction.  The Greek word is metanoeo and signifies to change one's mind or purpose.  When Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery, he said, "go and sin no more."  In other words, "Stop what you're doing, go in the opposite direction, and don't commit adultery again." That is a picture of true repentance.

So we've learned three words today:
Confession: agreeing with God about your sin
Repentance: changing one's mind, turn and go in the opposite direction.
Forgiveness: cutting someone loose, cancel a debt

Are you broken hearted over your sin? Have you asked God to forgive you?  Have you agreed with God that what you did was wrong and are you committed to turn and go in the opposite direction?  If you have asked, then He has forgotten the offense already.  If you have asked for forgiveness, but are having difficulty receiving it, then why not pray this prayer and receive it by faith.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I come before You today, confessing______________. I am truly repentant and sorry for my sin against You. I ask that You forgive me and cleanse me.  Right now, I receive Your grace and forgiveness. I believe that You have forgiven me and will no longer hold my sin against me. I accept the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for my sin and thank You that my debt has been paid in full. Thank You God for forgiving me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now, dear one, I want you to picture your sin nailed to the cross. It is finished.  Don't let Satan try to convince you otherwise. And believe me, he will try. Satan is called "the accuser" who accuses Christians day and night (Revelation 12:10). I picture him walking back and forth with our mug shots before the throne of God, saying "look at her! She's guilty as sin!"

And in response, our Heavenly Father says "I know her. She's my precious child whom I love! Her sentence has already been taken care of. Jesus paid it for her. She's forever free!"

Now It's Your Turn
Today, if you prayed the prayer above I want you to write your sin on a piece of paper, and then in large red letters write the words PAID IN FULL across the page.

Consider writing a prayer of thanksgiving to God thanking Him for sending Jesus to pay the price for your sin.

If you prayed that prayer, I'd love to know.  Let's share at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes.

More From The Girlfriends
Don't let Satan hold you captive to past mistakes for one more day!  Be free!  If you need help taking hold of your forgiveness and shedding that cloak of shame, then see Sharon's book, I'm Not Good Enough...and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves.  Be free, dear 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]

July 14, 2011

In His Steps

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Be careful what you do, and always do what is right (Proverbs 4:26, NCV).

Friend To Friend
When Dan and I first married, I knew almost nothing about football. In fact, I would often ask, "Honey, who has the ball now?" He was so patient, answering every question without bursting into laughter. Dan's favorite team was the Dallas Cowboys and his favorite player was Emmett Smith, their star running back at the time.

During one particular game, Emmitt was playing on grass instead of the artificial turf he preferred. The grass was wet and Emmett was not playing his best game, falling down two plays out of three. Frustrated with his performance, Emmett took himself out of the game to change cleats. It didn't help. In fact, it took three cleat changes before he found the ones that gave him the best footing. He then went on to play a phenomenal game and lead his team to victory.

Obedience puts us on solid ground. God is not asking us for a season of obedience but for a lifestyle of obedience. Will Rogers once said, "Live your life in such a way, that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip." In Proverbs 3:6-7 (NCV) Solomon wrote, "Remember the Lord in all you do, and He will give you success. Don't depend on your own wisdom. Respect the LORD and refuse to do wrong." Obedience is remembering and choosing God in everything we do, choosing to walk in His steps and following the path He has set for us.

We are to live like citizens of a future world, guarding each step to make sure it matches the step of God. Not out of fear but out of love. Not because man observes and keeps score, but because God watches and we want to please Him. "Obey God because you are his children. Don't slip back into your old ways of doing evil; you didn't know any better then." (Peter 1:14, NLT). We cannot come to Christ and continue to respond to the world in the same way. Our behavior will change along with our perspective, our standards, our motives – everything. As Paul says, we become "a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV). This holy discipline sounds like an impossible and overwhelming command. It is – outside the power of God.               

As I mentioned earlier, our son played football for many years. Different coaches tried to get Jered to play different positions, but they always ended up playing him as a fullback. College recruiters said he was a "throwback" explaining that Jered was built like a true fullback; he ran like a true fullback and thought like a true fullback. Consequently, he rarely fumbled the ball, explaining his success in a way I remember to this day: "Most players who carry the ball either make the mistake of trying to create their own route or end up following the wrong guy. I have blockers assigned to me on every play. Their job is to make a path for me. The minute I get the ball, I put my head down, look for my blockers, watch their feet and follow them - right across the goal line."

God has already been where He wants us to go. All we have to do is look for Him, watch His steps and follow them – right across the finish line. Discipline your steps, making sure that they match His.

Let's Pray
Father, I want to obey You. Forgive me when I let fear keep me from walking in Your steps or when I listen for the voice of others above Yours. Give me a hunger and thirst for Your Word so that I can grow up in You and become a mature believer that honors You with her life. Give me the strength and power to step out in faith.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Psalm 86:11. "Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name" (NIV).

The psalmist prays for an "undivided heart." Examine your own heart. Is it divided? What does that mean to you and how does it impact your walk with God?

Read Romans 10:17. "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ" (NIV).

How does the Word of God impact the strength of your faith?

More From The Girlfriends
Mary's MP3 download, Stepping Out in Faith, will help you discover a new confidence in God and the power of obedience to Him. And be sure to check out Mary's new weekly Online Bible StudyStress Management 101. Enroll now and have access to all 2011 lessons. Need a friend? Connect with Mary on Facebookor 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]

July 15, 2011

The To-Do List Abyss
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth

Proverbs 31:17 (NIV) "She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks."

Friend To Friend

Many of us check off neatly penciled boxes. Some draw lines through the tasks we've finished. A select few of us even add tasks that we've already completed to our list so that we've got accurate accomplishment records at the end of the day! (Present company included!) Some of us keep track of what we need to do each day in our heads, while others track progress of daily goals electronically.

There are days I fluff up my list. Instead of simply writing, "Do three loads of laundry," I'll create twelve list items to check off that read:

Wash whites
Dry whites
Fold/hang whites
Put away whites
Wash colors
Dry colors
Fold/hang colors
Put away colors
Wash darks
Dry darks
Fold/hang darks
Put away darks
Oh, how I love to check boxes! Why? I want to be a productive woman. I want my work to matter. It's pretty much a daily struggle for me. As an eternal optimist, I wake up anticipating that the seconds, minutes, and hours of each day will bend to cooperate with the demands of my list.

Yeah, right.

I'm such a dreamer. It just never seems to work out that simply or efficiently.

I'm guessing that you are in this daily struggle with me. Right? No matter what it looks like, thinks like, or prints off like, many of us feel overwhelmed by the abyss of a rarely satisfied to-do list. We face constant demands that call to us and vie for our attention. We sift through the essentials and the fire drills, then we go to bed, wake up, and do it all again. The abyss of a to-do list can be so exhausting!

The good news is that we don't need to face our lists alone. God offers to come along side of us daily to provide the strength, perspective, and wisdom we need. He helps us prioritize our days when we turn to Him in prayer. In the Bible, we read of a woman who approached each day with God-power and God-perspective:

"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks" (Proverbs 31:17, NIV).

Though this is an impressive statement about her work ethic and though it seems this fictional woman dominates her daily to-do list, it's important to consider the source of her strength: God. At the end of the chapter, Scripture shows us that she "...fears the Lord..." (Proverbs 31:30, NIV). Her source of strength is rooted in faith and in her dependence on God. Ours should be, too.

Your list looks different from mine. We all have unique ministries, friendships, jobs, responsibilities, and families. Whether you are in the work force, unemployed, or retired or a stay-at-home mom, a single mom, or an empty nester – a wife, a widow, a single woman, or a divorcee – God can and will give you strength for each day when you prioritize Him and fear Him.

Consider the following verses:

"Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?" (Galatians 3:3, NIV).

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

God longs to strengthen your arms for the tasks on your to-do list today. Place time with Him as your first priority. Check your God-box. Go to Him now. Pray. Listen. Call on Him for direction, wisdom, renewal, and strength. Strong arms await you, girlfriend!

Let's Pray

God, I was created by You and for You. Please forgive me when I rush into a day without calling on You for my strength. I need you, Lord. Please prioritize my heart and my list today.

In Jesus' Name I pray,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Read Proverbs 31:25-26: "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

How closely do you relate to the above verse?

What steps need to be taken in your life to move toward a deeper dependence on God's strength verses your own? Are you willing to go there? Take a moment to talk to God about it.

More From The Girlfriends

Hey friend, God is all over me about this subject right now. His Spirit is constantly reminding me of the importance of operating in God-strength and not Gwen-strength. I think we all struggle with this one. BUT GOD – He loves to give us strength where we struggle. The title track of my latest CD is called Uncluttered. Since we've gone there devotionally, I'd really like to go deeper by exploring this topic musically. Please join me on my Facebook page right now and take a watch the music video to Uncluttered.  I'd love to hear stories from you about where you are with this. Then write a few thoughts on my wall about where God is directing you in all of this. (www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic)

SILLY-DIZZY? Check out 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 hereto find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box725
Matthews, NC 28106

info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com

[Judy Harder]

July 18, 2011
Ignored by Man, Chosen by God
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world (John 15:19 NIV).

Friend To Friend

Have you ever felt that you were overlooked or ignored ... like you were a nobody?  Well, take heart girlfriend. You are not alone.

In the Bible, we read the story of when the prophet Samuel went to anoint the next king of Israel. By God's instruction, Samuel traveled to Bethlehem, to the house of Jesse. He knew where to go and what family the king would come from. He knew the next king would be one of Jesse's sons ... he just didn't know which son.

Samuel arrived in Bethlehem and asked Jesse to bring all of his sons out for his inspection. Jesse brought out each of his seven sons, one-by-one. As Samuel prayerfully approached each young man, God said, "No, that is not the one...No, that is not the one...No, that is not the one."  Seven times God refused Jesse's sons. Finally, exasperated and confused, Samuel asked, "Are these all the sons you have?"

"Oh yeah, I do have one more son," Jesse said. "I almost forgot all about him. Little David is out taking care of the sheep. I'll send someone to get him."

David was so insignificant to his own father, that when the prophet requested an audience with all of his boys, the dad didn't even think to invite him. However, David was the very one God had selected to be the next ruler of His chosen people.  How exciting!  You may have felt overlooked, disregarded, and ignored by man, but make no mistake about it, you are chosen by God!

Ponder these verses...

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12 NIV).
"In him we were also chosen,  having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory" (Ephesians 1:11,12 NIV).
"Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies" (Romans 8:33 NIV).
Let's Pray

Dear Father, thank You that I am chosen and dearly loved.  While there have been many times in my life where I was not chosen, I rejoice that You chose me!  Help me to be an encourager to others who may feel neglected or discarded by others.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

When was a time in your life when you felt rejected?

The Bible says that we have a High Priest, Jesus, who has felt all the pain and suffering just as we have. How was Jesus rejected?

At the same time, how was Jesus chosen by God?

Consider writing down the verses in today's devotion and post them somewhere you can see them often.

More From The Girlfriends

You are chosen, holy, and dearly loved.  And that's just the beginning.  If you would like to learn about who you are in Christ, what you have in Christ, and where you are in Christ, then you'll want to read Becoming Spiritually Beautifulby Sharon Jaynes.  This book will help you see yourself as God sees you ... absolutely beautiful!

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


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

[Judy Harder]

July 19, 2011

The Power of Quiet

Gwen Smith


Today's Truth
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul (Psalm 23:1-3a, NIV).

Friend To Friend
There are times when laundry takes over my house. Piles build up, though I try to stay on top of them. Many of the clothes are clean and even folded, but not put away. That tricky put-away-part is always hard for me.

Then there are the socks. Oh, the socks! They burden me so!! I'm half tempted to believe that a great sock nation exists,and that sock-soldiers are on a secret mission to destroy my testimony by driving me crazy! Divide and conquer. That's what they do! Why can't socks just behave? Why can't they ever stay in pairs, and where am I supposed to put the socks that remain unmatched? (Insert dramatic sigh here...) Unmatched socks and folded-but-not-put-away-laundry tie me up in knots. I don't like to admit it, but sometimes days go by before I make the time to put them away.

Is it just me?

I've come to realize that my days can be a lot like my laundry situation. At times they get piled up with "busy." Sabbath gets squeezed out. Now, when I say Sabbath, I mean the priority of sitting before the Lord just to sit with Him ... quietly ... expectantly ... to listen. Though I do include God in my days and breathe prayers throughout, when I don't sit before the Lord – and exercise the spiritual discipline of being quiet before God – it seems that both old and new burdens can tie my heart into a frazzled knot.

It had been one of those weeks. Knots. Knots. Knots. Then I finally remembered the power of quiet. As I sat in the cool still of the morning with a hot mug of coffee in my hand and the warming presence of God in my soul, the burdens of my heart began to drift away. Direction came. Joy resounded. Mercy rained. Peace ... deep peace fell.

It was when the companion of God's Spirit had begun to transform my soul, my thoughts, my goals, and my day that I realized, as if I had slumbered half the week away ... this is where they go! This is where my burdens belong! The old ones that I've written about time and time again in my prayer journal and the new ones that are just beginning to unravel from my heart. This is where they go! I just needed to put my continuous stream of life-burdens away like the unending piles of laundry! Then ... order, soul order. Peace, compelling peace. Joy, divine joy. It all comes.

I sat in wonder. Still. In His presence. Convicted of my failure to remember the power of being quiet before the Lord. "Of course this is where they go. I knew that. I knew that! Lord, forgive me. Oh, how I'm thankful for your daily mercy showers."

Jesus tells all who believe that we should go to Him. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

When our lives get too busy ... when the laundry piles up in our homes and the burdens pile up in our hearts, we often forget the power of quiet. The power of being still before God. The power of listening, expecting, soul-pouring ... receiving rest. His presence sorts souls and never leaves an unmatched burden. His presence never leaves and un-lifted burden. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Take some time to power-down and be still before Him right now. Remember the power of quiet as you exchange your burdens for His peace.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, Your mercy is fresh each day, and Your grace piles higher than all my laundry and all my heart-woes. Thank You, Lord! I'm here. Please align my heart to Yours. Quiet me with Your love, direction, and peace today.

In Jesus' Name I pray,
Amen.

Now it's Your Turn

When is the last time you sat and were still before God – with no music playing, no TV on, etc.?

When we spend purposed time with the Lord, beautiful things happen. Look up Zephaniah 3:17 and fill in the blanks below:

"The LORD your God is _______ _________, he is mighty to save. 
He will take ___________ ______________in you, he will _____________ you with his ______________, he will _____________ over you with ________________."

More from the Girlfriends
Are you up for a personal GiG challenge? I challenge you to add a ten-minute "Sabbath" to your day for the next week. (I recommend you do it as soon as you wake up, but that's your call.) Simply sit before the Lord and let Him know you are there. You might want to start your time by reading a psalm and responding in prayer. Then be still. Just ten minutes a day for a week. Ready for the challenge? Let me know by telling me on my Facebook wall: www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic. Hope you will join me!

NEED SOME SOUL REST? Check out 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.

[Judy Harder]

July 20, 2011
Doubting Thomas
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
Thomas fell to his knees and cried, 'My Lord and my God!' (John 20:29 NIV).

Friend To Friend
When Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, there was one who was absent from the motley crew – Thomas. When he came back to the group, they were abuzz telling of Jesus' appearance. But Thomas didn't believe a word they said.

"Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it," he declared.

"A week later his disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus suddenly appeared and stood among them.

"Peace be with you!" he said.

Then Jesus turned to a stunned Thomas and said, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

Thomas fell to his knees and cried, "My Lord and my God!"

The world is full of "Thomases."  I was one and perhaps you were one too. And even though I did not run my fingers over Jesus' nail scarred hands or thrust my hand into his sword pierced side, I recognized Jesus through the scars of the men and women who were not afraid to share their stories of healing and redemption...and I believed.

In Revelations 12:11, John wrote, "They overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."  Incredible power is released when we drop the chains of bitterness, fear, and shame to tell our stories. Because Satan knows that our stories are instrumental in his ultimate defeat, he will do anything and everything to convince us to keep the treasures hidden away. Oh dear one, God is calling us to not be ashamed of our scars, for it is by those very scars that others will recognize the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Do you know a "Thomas" who needs to see Jesus' scars ... perhaps in your own life?  This week, I encourage you to share your story of redemption with one other person and watch a miracle take place!

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I am overwhelmed today by the great sacrifice that You made for me on Calvary's Cross. Thank You for the scars You bore for me. Help me to share my scars to help others see the hope and healing You have brought into my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Why do you think Jesus kept His scars?

What helped Thomas believe that Jesus was alive?

How can showing or telling about the scars or your past help others see Jesus in your life?

Is there someone who needs to hear your story?

If you've never shared your story, but would like to today, I'd love to hear it.  You can e-mail me at Sharon@sharonjaynes.com.

More From The Girlfriends
If you would like to learn more about how God can use your story to help others, then you'll want to read Your Scars are Beautiful to God: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Hurts of Your Past.Your story might be just what someone needs to hear in order to trust in Jesus as Savior, Healer and Lord.

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]

July 21, 2011
Serving Sandpaper People
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10, NIV).

Friend To Friend
We live in a problem-filled world. However, you will be thrilled to know I have discovered the biggest problem of all – people. In my opinion, if there were fewer people, there would be fewer problems. Every day, we face the daunting challenge of getting along with people. Some make it easy, and some don't. Some are kind and encouraging, and replenishing, while others drive us to the brink of insanity and beyond.

One Sunday morning, a Sunday school teacher, in the process of teaching the Ten Commandments to her third-grade class, asked the question, "Last week we learned the commandment to honor your father and mother. Can anyone tell me if there is one that refers to brothers and sisters?" A little girl's hand immediately shot up. When the teacher called on her to give an answer, the anxious youngster quickly responded, "Yes, there is a commandment just about brothers. The one that says, 'Thou shalt not kill!'"

Let's be honest – some people are simply more difficult to get along with than others. They "rub" us the wrong way. I call them "sandpaper people." We try to change them, run from them, ignore them, and even take a stab at fixing them. But what would happen if we made the choice to serve them?

I know. The last thing I usually want to do is serve someone who is hard to get along with. In fact, shouldn't these "sandpaper people" be serving me in order to make up for all of the grief they have caused? Sounds right, doesn't it? God has a different plan – a higher plan that produces supernatural results. It is called service.

In his letter to the church in Rome the Apostle Paul defined true service when he said that we are to "be devoted to one another in brotherly love" and "honor one another" (Romans 12:10, NIV). In this verse, "devotion" indicates commitment and duty and carries the idea of a constant faithfulness that deliberately chooses repeatedly to serve. To "honor" someone means to "prefer" him or her or regard them as more important than ourselves. Honestly, most sandpaper people are used to people preferring that they disappear.

Sandpaper people are hard to serve and hard to help because they rarely, if ever, think of themselves as someone in need. The needs of others are not high on their priority list but control and power are. To manipulate is to succeed. Sandpaper people honestly believe that the world does or should revolve around them. It doesn't seem to matter if the audience is applauding or jeering. Either way, they win. Why would God ask us to serve the very people who drive us crazy - the people who are so hard to love and seem to constantly wreak emotional havoc in our lives?

Choosing to serve a difficult person demands that we lay down our pride and our rights and deliberately choose to identify and meet a need in that person's life. We then become a conduit through which His love can flow to reach and transform that hard-to-love person. When we dare to serve a sandpaper person, it rocks their world. They are accustomed to scratching and clawing their way to a false and shallow acceptance. Sandpaper people find it almost impossible to believe that anyone would ever be willing to serve them in any way. That kind of chosen love is foreign to them but it certainly grabs their attention. I wonder what our world would look like if we made the choice to love and serve the sandpaper people in our lives.     

Let's Pray
Father, when I let pride take up residence in my heart, I can be so blind to the needs of others, especially those who are more difficult to love. I am so thankful that You did not feel that way toward me, one of the most difficult people of all to love. I praise You for the grace and love You have given me. Help me to be an instrument of that love and grace in the lives of those around me.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Take a few minutes to think about the people in your life – family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc.

List two people who are easy to love and serve.
Name one way you can serve these people in the name of Jesus.
Determine how and when you can serve them. Be specific.

List two people who are difficult to love and serve.
Name one way you can serve these people in the name of Jesus.
Determine how and when you can serve them. Be specific.

Compare the two experiences.
From which one did you learn the most?
Which one forced you to rely upon God's power the most?
What one truth did you gain through these two experiences?

More From The Girlfriends
If I am not careful, I automatically gravitate to those who are easy to love and easy to serve. I have to remind myself that Jesus Christ came for broken people like me. I am not always easy to love and am prone to reject service because "I can do it myself."  Sound familiar? Today, choose to love and serve those difficult people in your path.  When someone loves and wants to serve you, accept that love and service in Jesus' name, as a gift from God's hand. Be blessed.

Need more help? Get Mary's book, Sandpaper Peopleto discover 12 steps you can take to deal with the difficult people in your life. (Also available in CDand MP3 download)

Be sure to check out Mary's weekly Online Bible StudyStress Management 101that just began. It is not too late to join. Enroll now and have access to all 2011 lessons. Need a friend? Connect with Mary on Facebookor through email.