Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

December 1, 2008
Pot Luck
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"May they be brought to complete unity to let the world now that you sent me and have loved them, even as you have loved me." (John 17:23 NIV)

Friend to Friend
I recall as a young child, rocking on my grandma's front porch and listening to the ladies from the mission society gossip about the "heathens" whose church was across the street from theirs.  It always puzzled me because the "heathens" were such nice people and their church looked just like grandma's church.  As far as I could tell, there was no difference.  Both believed in Jesus, wore funny hats on Sundays, and sang the same hymns.  And both had great pot-luck dinners.

How did the church come up with the notion of the famous pot-luck supper (alias, covered-dish dinner)?  I personally think it all began in Matthew chapter 15.  The first covered-dish gathering was a great success as Jesus served more than 4,000 men (not to mention a few thousand women and children) and had leftovers to boot.  All this came from one little covered dish.  Actually, it was a covered basket. This was, after all, before the advent of Corning Ware.

Later the Baptists followed His lead and the next thing you know, all denominations are celebrating a multiplicity of occasions with every variety of casserole known to man, but the twenty first-century church isn't being caught simply serving up fish and chips.  We have taken the notion of "breaking bread" and run with it.  Not only do we break bread, but we crunch fried chicken, munch fresh veggies, scoop casseroles, slice pies, cut cakes, and sip coffees.  We chew the fat while chewing our food and extend the right hand of fellowship while our left hand extends the serving spoon.  No matter how much food walks through the doors, none ever goes to waste, but much goes to the waist.  I'd say that covered-dish dinners are one of the most cherished rituals in the church today!

Our Sunday school class's annual Christmas party entailed such an event.  It was at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Marshall McMillan.  The class consisted of 150 people in a church of 1,600.  It's a little difficult to be intimate with 150 congregates on Sunday morning, so the Christmas party was a great time to chat with people you didn't normally have a chance to visit otherwise.  Because people tend to sit in the same seats each week, I had never really seen about half of the class.

The Christmas party was designed to remedy that problem.  The McMillan's home was beautifully decorated with holly, spruce and magnolia clippings.  It was filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of the season as well as the incoming aroma of the many deliciously prepared meals.  In an effort to provide crowd control and proper traffic flow, our host, Marshall had posted directional signs around the house.  One sign read "COATS," with an arrow pointing up the stairs to their daughter's room.  Another read "HOT FOOD," with an arrow pointing toward the kitchen.

Marshall was doing a great job at his post as official greeter and traffic police.

"Hello, how are you?" He greeted two ladies and one man as they made their way up the front steps with dishes in hand.  "You can take your food into the kitchen and then follow the arrows to the coat room."

The obedient threesome followed directions well and then headed to the name tag table, but a warning light was flashing in my mind.

"Marshall," I said, "Who are those people?  I don't recognize them."

"I don't recognize them, either," he answered.  "But you know our class is so big.  Maybe they sit on the opposite side of the room and we just haven't noticed them before."

They looked like they could have been one of us.  They seemed to know the drill, but something was wrong with this picture.

"Marshall, go find out who they are," I urged.

He approached the trio, who were now looking a little bewildered themselves.  "Excuse me.  You are here for the Sunday school Christmas party, aren't you?"

"Yes," they answered.  However, their "yes" sounded more like a question than an answer.  Then they asked, "This is the Sunday school class for First Baptist Church isn't it?"

"No, ma'am," Marshall answered.  "This is the party for Forest Hill Presbyterian.  You folks are at the wrong party."

The three embarrassed Baptists quickly reclaimed their food, once again followed the arrows to the coat room, and high-tailed it out of the McMillan's house to another Sunday school covered-dish gathering a few doors down.

Won't heaven be an interesting place?  One big perpetual brightly lit Christmas party: a celebration of new birth.  No covered dish required because He will sit us down at His banqueting table which He has prepared for us.  One great thing about this party will be that when the Baptists stumble into a room full of Presbyterians or when the Episcopalians walk in on a bunch of Assemblies of God folks, no one will feel out of place.  We will all say, "Welcome! And come on in.  Take your coat off and stay a while - an eternity, for that matter.  You're definitely in the right place." 

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I'm not even sure how all this business of denominations started in the first place, but I do know that You specifically prayed that we would have unity among the Body of Christ.  Help us to put away our differences and focus on what is truly important -- Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Are you prejudiced against certain denominations?

If you do, how do you think Jesus feels about that?

What do you think Paul meant by this statement? "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2 NIV)

More from the Girlfriends
Don't you just love watching God speak through the ordinary moments of life?  He is speaking.  Will we listen?  Sharon's beautiful new devotion book, Extraordinary Moments with God is filled with stories of God's presence that turn ordinary days into extraordinary treasures.  It is a perfect Christmas gift!  To learn more, see http://www.sharonjaynes.com/ 

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


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

[Judy Harder]

December 2, 2008
Don't Miss Christmas!
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
John 3:16 (NIV) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son."

Friend to Friend
The Christmas rush is on!  I know many of you are still looking for the perfect gift, wrapping presents, baking your famous sugar cookies, packing the car for a long trip and wrestling with overly excited children.  Ho!  Ho!  Ho!

Right now - right where you are -- stop.  Take a deep breath and travel back with me to a time when there was no hope...no celebration.  I simply cannot imagine a world without Jesus and yet I often live my life as if He does not even exist.  A trial comes and I try to handle it on my own.  Loneliness floods my heart and instead of reaching out to Him, I withdraw into the darkness.  Financial stress gives birth to worry, filling my mind with doubt and the proverbial question, "What if ...? Instead of turning to God, my source, I settle for a human answer when what I really need is a supernatural solution from our extraordinary God!

When I do cry out to God, He lovingly fills each black corner with Light.  His love flows over the pain like a soothing balm and once again, I experience the manger. Once again, He steps into the smelly, unlikely and very ordinary existence that is mine to change everything -- yes, everything!  The presence of Jesus Christ changes everything!  He could have come to us in many ways but He chose to interrupt the very ordinary with the most extraordinary!  He could have chosen to be born in a palace.  After all, He was a King. Yet His life on earth began in a manger - a dirty, smelly barn.  The simplicity of His birth is one of His most precious gifts to me and one of my most profound life lessons.  I often wish that I had been there that holy night when Jesus was born but then He reminds me that I have my own manger, my own holy moment when God became a reality to me, and I worship Him!

Every year I am reminded of the very heart of Christmas - Emanuel, God with us.  God wants to be involved in the simple, ordinary happenings of daily life:  where we go - what we do - the smile we give the harried stranger - the patience we wear in the crowd of impatient shoppers - the love that prompts the secret gift - the heart that constantly celebrates His birth through every sparkling light, every beautifully wrapped gift, each special meal, every card, phone call and visit. 

Join me in this quest - to celebrate Him and His birth in everything I do.   Have a birthday party for Jesus!  Adopt a family in need!  Reach out to the lonely! Look for Him in the crowd!  Emanuel, God with us!  Wow!     

Let's Pray
Father, today I celebrate the reality of Your presence in my life.  I celebrate Your birth, Your life, Your death and Your resurrection.  And as I celebrate, Lord, help me to be "God with skin on" to those in need around me.  Open my eyes and let me see them as You see them!  I love You!  Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Now It's Your Turn
Put your faith in action by making a step-by-step plan to keep Jesus at the heart of your Christmas season.  Give a gift to someone you don't know.  Invite a needy family into your home for a special "Friends" dinner.  Go through your closet and give the clothes you don't wear to those who have no clothes.  Then choose one of your favorite outfits and give to your "sandpaper person".  Yes! During the holiday rush, difficult people can drive us right up the holiday walls and out of our merry mind!  Need help?  Check out Mary's book, Sandpaper People.  It may be the best Christmas gift you have ever given yourself!

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]

December 3, 2008
Long Walk Part of Gift
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?  We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him" (Matthew 2: 1 NIV).

Friend to Friend
An African boy listened carefully as his teacher explained why Christians give presents to each other on Christmas day.  "The gift is an expression of our joy over the birth of Jesus and our friendship for each other," she said.

When Christmas day came, the boy brought to the teacher a seashell of lustrous beauty.  "Where did you ever find such a beautiful shell?" the teacher asked as she gently fingered the gift.

The youth told her there was only one spot where such extraordinary shells could be found.  When he named the place, a certain bay several miles away, the teacher was left speechless.

"Why...why, it's gorgeous...wonderful, but you shouldn't have gone all that way to get a gift for me."

His eyes brightening, the boy answered, "Long walk part of gift."

I just love that story.  During this holiday season, I watch as people scurry about swiping those plastic cards through the credit card machines faster than a speeding bullet.  Yet, God has already shown us that the most precious gifts can not be bought or sold.  "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 NIV).

The magi also knew about the joy of giving.  While they gave gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child, they also gave another gift...a long walk.  We don't know how far the magi traveled, but we do know it took months, perhaps years for them to reach their destination.  Their long walk was part of the gift.

I wonder how far we are willing to go to worship Jesus...to bring our gifts to him.  I wonder how far out of the way we will go to praise him.  Do we only give to Him when it is convenient or easy?  Or do we give what He wants most -- a portion of our selves, our very lives.

I think the little African boy had the right idea.  The real gift wasn't the shell.  The real gift was the sacrifice he made to give it that was so precious.

Let's Pray
Dear God, thank You for the gift You gave us through your Son, Jesus Christ.  I pray that I will keep gift giving in perspective this holiday season and give gifts from the heart rather than the pocketbook.  Help me to see that a "long walk," or a portion of me, is the greatest gift of all.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Describe a time when someone's sacrificial gift meant a lot to you.

Describe the feeling you had when you gave a portion of yourself, such as your time, to someone.

Try to imagine the teacher who received the shell. What thoughts do you think came to mind when she looked at it year after year?  Do you think it was the shell itself, or the heart of the boy who gave it to her?

Now, imagine how God looks at our gifts we give to Him.  Do you think He reflects on the gifts themselves or the heart of the child who gives it?

More from the Girlfriends:
It is hard not to get caught up in the pre-Christmas swirl of activity and to lose focus on what's important.  If you would like ways to keep Jesus the focus of your holiday season, you'll love Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas by Sharon Jaynes.  It's packed with helpful ideas and inspiration.

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]

December 4, 2008
The Monthly Draw
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. God has said, "I will never leave you; I will never forget you."

Friend to Friend
Can you believe the holidays are just around the corner? Stores are already filled with Christmas decorations.  Television ads for the newest and best toys multiply every day. It won't be long until we are wringing our hands, wondering where the money for Christmas gifts is going to come from, a fact that must sadden the heart of God.  To think that our first thoughts of His birth are wrapped in financial distress is a clear indication that we do not understand and live on the sufficiency of God. 

Have you noticed that it is always more fun to pay the bills when you actually have money to pay them instead of holding what my husband calls "The Monthly Draw"?  The Southerland Monthly Draw is held when there are more bills than money. The rules are quite simple. All of the bills are placed in a stack. Dan then rifles through the stack, drawing out one of the bills to pay. This process continues until there is no more money.  The rest of the bills have to wait until more money comes in.  Sound familiar?

One morning, when I walked into the study, I could immediately tell by the look on Dan's face that the "draw" was not going so well. Finances had been extremely tight for a variety of reasons.  Dan and I had prayed our way through that month, knowing that the next few months would only hold more of the same. I debated whether I should stick around to offer encouragement or run for the hills. I decided to stay. "Honey, can I help?" Dan looked up at me with a weak grin and said, "Not unless you have $900.00." Oh, boy! It was worse than I thought. Seeing the look on my face, my sweet husband quickly added, "Don't worry, honey, God always comes through." Now I must admit that at that precise moment, I would have preferred a tangible sample of God's provision. You know - something along the lines of a money tree in the back yard or an oil well in the front. I went to my desk, hoping to find a forgotten check from a speaking event or book sale.  I came up empty.  An examination of my check register was even more depressing.  Did we really need two children?  Maybe we should sell one!  (Just kidding)  As I racked my brain for some way to "provide", I realized that I was stepping dangerously close to enemy territory. "Lord, I want to trust you as my Provider but right now, we really need $900.00", I informed the God of the Universe.  How is that for a prayer of faith? 

Dan did all he could do with the stack of bills and went next door to visit our neighbor while I stayed home, plotting and scheming ways to come up with $900.00.  In fact, I spent the rest of the day in what my mother called "a tizzy" because as far as I could see, there was no plot and there was no scheme remotely looming in the Southerland picture that could produce the needed amount of money.  And that was the problem.  I was only looking "as far as I could see".

Finally, I left the need at His feet and went on with what was left of my day. As I began to prepare dinner, I remembered that I had forgotten to check the mail and headed outside. There it was, God's perfect provision just sitting in our mailbox, waiting for me to come - an unexpected check for $949.64.  Dan and I became aware of our need that morning.  The check was mailed several days before.  God met the need before the need was evident. He always does! In Philippians 4:19, Paul reminds us that our God will "meet all our needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." 

I often learn the most life-changing lessons at the feet of children.  Ellie is the five-year-old granddaughter of a very close friend, Gina, who is known to cheer me up by sharing an "Ellie-ism".  Not long ago, Gina was telling me about the prayer Ellie had prayed the night before at dinner. The meal was ready.  Everyone in the family was seated, and Ellie volunteered to say the blessing.  Every adult at the table smiled, wondering what childish offering they were about to hear.  What they heard was profound truth from God as spoken through the words of a child.  Head bowed, hands folded, Ellie prayed, "God is great.  God is good.  Let us thank Him for our food.  By His hand, we all are fed.  Give us, Lord our daily bread.  THE END!"  That just about sums it up! 

Just as the shepherd meets every need of his sheep, God meets our every need. Just as the sheep totally depend upon their shepherd's care and provision, we would be wise to depend totally upon God.  He is our Provider.  He is our Source and in light of that reality, stress flees, leaving only peace.  As the holidays approach, fix your heart on God, rely upon your Shepherd, and trust Him to meet every need in your life and rest in the fact that He is the beginning ... and the end. 

Let's Pray
Father, I confess that I often look to things and to people to meet the needs in my life when all I need to do is trust You.  Today, I praise You as my Provider, Lord.  I trust You to go before me and "make a way" through every valley.  I trust You to take care of me.  Right now, I choose to guard against greed and ask that You would give me a heart of compassion and a generous spirit.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read the following verses carefully.  How does each verse support the truth that God is committed to meeting the needs of His children? 

Psalm 32:8 The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."   
John 10:4 "After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they recognize his voice."
1 Thessalonians 5:18 "No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 
Make a list of the needs in your life today.  Beside each entry, record one of the above verses as your commitment to trust God.
Memorize these verses so that when the enemy tempts you to doubt God, you will be equipped and ready to dispute his lies.

More From The Girls
I never really understood the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep until I began to study Psalm 23.  I cannot tell you how much peace this psalm has brought me.  My book, Escaping the Stress Trap, is the result of that study.  I also have a six-week E-Book Bible Study, God's Answer to Stress that is perfect for your daily quiet time or for small group study.  Make Psalm 23 the heart of this holiday season for you and your family.  Blessings!

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]

December 5, 2008
She Stooped to Conquer
LaTan Roland Murphy

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", LaTan Roland Murphy, author of Becoming a Woman of Interior Elegance and proofreader for Girlfriends in God devotionals.

Today's Truth
Ephesians 5:21 "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

Friend to Friend
"Mom, they were whispering to one another about the birthday party.  They didn't want me to hear because I am not invited," my daughter said with trembling voice as tears filled her big beautiful eyes.

My heart was breaking in half as I listened to how hurt she was.  "They are my best friends at school, Mom.  Why would they not invite me?"

I reached out to hug her, our arms wrapping around each other tightly as she turned her soft tear stained face toward my neck.  It was a familiar crying spot as she had buried her face there time and time again in the same position since she was a baby.  We helped each other without speaking a word for a while.  Sometimes there are just no words to make things better, so I cried with her.  One week later, while driving our daughter to school, she asked her dad in a quiet voice if he would please stop at the grocery store. 

"Why DaNae'?  Do you need something for school?"

"Well, sort of."

"What do you need, honey, because we are already going to be late."

"I need to buy a balloon for someone who is having a birthday party tonight."

"Who is it?"  I asked.

"Do you remember the girl who was whispering about her birthday party in front of me?  Well, I want to take a balloon to school for her."  I looked over at my husband and he looked at me, each of our hearts melting both with a sense of pride and of sadness.  We knew we had to stop even if it meant we would be late. It was worth it!

Da-Nae' walked happily into the grocery store and in a few moments came running out with a huge grin spread across her seventh grade face. Her balloon was flying high in the air with a pack of chewing gum hanging from the bottom, acting as a weight. She was the happiest girl in the world!

My husband and I were so blessed by our daughter's actions that morning.  She stooped to conquer feelings that could have been filled with anger and hurt.  Some people might ask why she would make a fool of herself after being treated the way she was or how she could lower herself after what her friend had done to her.  When Christ is the center of our lives, He empowers us to do things we could never do in our own human nature.  Our daughter chose not to be a martyr.  She chose to stoop a little so she could rise up on a much higher level.  She chose to reject her sadness about not being invited to the party.  She reaped the blessings of stooping to conquer her emotions and blessed her friend in spite of how she had been treated.  When was the last time you stooped to conquer? 

Let's Pray
"Lord Jesus, please give me courage to stoop to conquer emotions that are not in perfect alignment with Your plan for me.  Help me to be a woman of character--- submitting to Your leading in my life each day.  Show me how to respond in a Godly way when I am hurt.  Lord Jesus, thank You for stooping to conquer both death and the grave for my salvation.  I pray my life will reflect the gratitude You deserve."  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Hurt will come to each of us.  We can't change that fact.  What we can change is the way we respond to hurtful situations in our lives.  Will we become bitter or better? 

Think of a hurt you have carried for a long time.  Think about how it has affected your life.  How did you first respond to the hurt?  What is your response today?

Ask the Lord to bind up your wounded heart and heal you completely.  Ask Him to give you such Godly character that every response is in alignment to His perfect will.

Allow Christ to fill all the empty places in your heart 

Understand that by stooping to conquer these emotions, you will defeat the enemy's ploy to destroy and ultimately win over sin!

Accept the truth that we are all made in the image of God and by submitting to one another as the scripture reference reminds us today, we will be reverencing God in the most beautiful way. 

More From The Girls
It is a whole lot easier to give in to the base human library of emotions within each one of us, but God always calls us up higher, to make higher choices.  Why?  One reason is because that higher choice simply screams the message, "I can't do this on my own!  God helped me make this choice!"  These words are especially true when dealing with difficult people.  Sandpaper People is available as a book, CD and MP3 download and will help you stoop to conquer ungodly emotions.

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]

December 8, 2008
Wise Men:  Who Are Those Guys Anyway?
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh."  Matthew 2 11 (NIV)

Friend to Friend
There has been quite a bit on confusion over the years about the "Wee Three Kings of Orientar." Who were they?  Wise men?  Magi?  Kings? How old was Jesus when they arrived?  Did they get there on Christmas night?  Or was Jesus a toddler by the time they arrived? The rough and rowdy Herdsmen in The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever thought a ham was a much more practical gift than gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2:1-12 tells the story of the wise men (KJV) or magi (NAS) who came from the east to worship the new King of the Jews. Traditionally they have been referred to as Kings, but nowhere in Scripture is that confirmed.  We don't know exactly how many of them there were, but again, traditionally we've celebrated three, because of the three gifts.

Most likely, they did not show up in the stable at the advent of Christ's birth.  Matthew 2:11 says that they "came into the house and saw the child," indicating that Mary and Joseph had moved from the stable.  We're not sure how old Jesus was when they arrived.  Some sources say He was approximately two-years-old.

Apparently, God did not think all these details were important, but He did give specific details about the gifts that the wise men brought for Jesus:  Gold, frankincense and myrrh.   

Gold stood for the riches of a king.  Jesus was the King of Kings. (Revelations 19:16)

Frankincense was incense used by the priests in the temple worship.  Jesus would be our high priest who would go before the Heavenly Father and intercede for us. (Hebrews 4:14)

Myrrh was a perfume used in burial services, pointing to Jesus' death on the cross - a holy sacrifice for our sins. (Romans 5:

One way to emphasize the journey of the wise men is to place them a short distance away from the nativity displayed in your home.  Each day, move the trio a little closer, until they finally arrive on Christmas Day.

Let's Pray
Dear God, sometimes we get so caught up in the traditions of men that we overlook the intentions of God.  Help us to remember the true meaning of Christmas and focus on what is important.  We worship Jesus, our King, our Priest, and our Savior.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Can you think of any Christmas traditions that you are unsure where they came from or why we celebrate them?  If so, consider researching to discover their origins.

Make a list of the ways that Jesus is your King.

Make a list of the ways that Jesus is your high priest.

Make a list the ways that Jesus' death and resurrection changed your life.

More from the Girlfriends
It is hard not to get caught up in the pre-Christmas swirl of activity and to lose focus of what's important.  If you would like ways to keep Jesus the focus of your holiday season, you'll love Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas by Sharon Jaynes.  It's packed with helpful ideas and inspiration.

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]

December 9, 2008
God's Gift
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son."  John 3:16 (NIV)

Friend to Friend
Already out of money for Christmas gifts?  Exhausted and tired of crowds, malls and traffic jams?  Wondering how you can possibly get it all done before December 25?  Maybe it is time to stop, refocus and consider the ways we can truly celebrate Christmas by learning how to give -- the right way -- and in doing so, experience a Christmas season filled with joy and peace instead of chaos and discontent.  Are we giving the wrong gifts or are we giving gifts to the wrong people?  Maybe the problem is that we have never received the real gift of Christmas in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. True giving is based on a personal experience with Him.  Before we can truly give, we must truly receive. God gave the greatest gift of all when He gave Jesus.

Christmas is not a date on the calendar.  It is a way of life - but like the innkeeper, we have put up a sign in our heart and mind that reads, "No room!"  Oh, we can participate in the holiday festivities of the Christmas season, but until we receive the gift of Jesus, we will never truly experience Christmas on December 25, or any other day of the year.  Jesus could have been born into a palace.  His first home on earth could have been a mansion. He was, after all, a King.  Instead, He came to a dirty smelly manger and His birth was announced by shepherds instead of Kings - the greatest of all miracles in the midst of total simplicity.  Today, Jesus still wants to meet us in the midst of our simple daily lives.  It seems too easy and too good to be true, doesn't it? 

It was Christmas Eve and the family was preparing to attend the special service of their local church. Everyone was going except Dad, who was an honest man, a man who could not seem to wrap his logical mind around the story of God come to earth as a baby in a manger.  He didn't want to be a hypocrite, pretending to worship a Savior he wasn't sure even existed, so he stayed home, built a fire to dispel the bitter cold of that winter night and began to read the paper, waiting for his family's return.  Hearing a knock at the window, he turned to see a tiny bird trying to reach the warmth of the fire. The man opened the window but the bird refused to come in.  Grabbing his coat, he went out to the barn and opened the doors wide -- but still, the bird refused to come in.  The man thought, "If only I could be a bird, for just one minute, I could lead the bird to safety."  At that moment, he heard the church bells ring and for the first time, he understood why Jesus came to earth as a man, to become one of us so He could lead us to eternal safety.

I believe Christmas has a longing in it placed there by God; a longing for home, a longing for Him that can never be satisfied outside of our decision to receive God's gift to us, Jesus Christ, His one and only Son.  Jesus is the reason we can celebrate Christmas and life itself.   

Let's Pray
Thank You, God, for sending Your Son to earth as a tiny baby in a manger.  Today, I choose to celebrate His birth and Your gift of life He brings.  I choose to receive Your gift of love and forgiveness for my sins.  I now surrender everything I am or ever hope to be to You.  Please take control of my life and direct my paths.  I promise to follow.  In Jesus' name, Amen

Now It's Your Turn

Read John 3:16.  Contemplate the love described in this verse.  Have you ever experienced that kind of love?   
What do you think it means to "believe" in God?  How would that belief affect your daily life? 
Examine this verse in light of your own journey.  What decision do you need to make in response to the truths in this verse?   
What gift do you really want this Christmas? 
More from the Girlfriends

Sharon, Gwen and I pray that your life is filled with God's peace and joy this holiday season. Don't settle for the world's shallow viewpoint of Christmas.  Instead, receive God's gift of love and kneel before the manger, giving your life to Him.  Need help with choosing meaningful Christmas gifts? Are you on a tight budget?  Check out my two MP3s, Giving the Perfect Gift and The Secret of a Merry Christmas or grab a book and CD for that last minute gift.

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]

December 10, 2008
Held By Hope
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19 (NIV)

Friend to Friend
Have you ever wanted to travel back in time to be an eyewitness of the celestial celebration that took place in Bethlehem the night that Jesus was born?  Now, I am quite particular about fashion, but I'd even consider donning shepherd garb and hanging out with a few sheep for that opportunity!  To see angels fill the sky, to hear the voice of God through the cries of a baby. To catch a glimpse of the brilliant Star of David, and to satisfy my curiosity as to what exactly a host of heavenly angels sounds like.

Oh, and to talk to Mary!  Wouldn't that be amazing to hear what she was thinking as she witnessed, and took part in, the greatest miracle ever known to man?  This baby she gave birth to was God made flesh, a true bundle of love.  What do you think she treasured in her heart as she took it all in?  I'm struck by this thought:  As she held the Hope of the world, the Hope of the world was also holding her.  Ponder that!

The baby born in a barn that holy night long ago is the Hope of the world - the Grace that saves us - the Love that heals us.   Jesus is Hope that changes our worthless into precious, our guilty to forgiven, our hungry into satisfied, and our empty into full.  His presence is inescapable.  We cannot flee from His stubborn grip.  The psalmist, David said: "If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.  If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast" (Psalm 139:8-10).

The Bible tells us in the New Testament that Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of God, the Father in heaven.  God's Word clearly shows us that Jesus "holds us fast."  Relish that thought. The Hope that holds us is Jesus Christ.  We are held by Hope.

In the Old Testament, God told Joshua that He would "never leave or forsake" him (Joshua 1:5).  God says the same to us.  He will never leave us or forsake us; no matter the circumstances, not matter the diagnoses, no matter the financial struggle.  Our faithful LORD is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  We can rest assured that in everything, we are held by Hope.

After His resurrection and before His ascension into heaven, Jesus said, "Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).  A Bible-teaching girlfriend of mine (Not to drop any names ... cough ... Mary Southerland) often reminds her audiences that the word "always" actually means ... drum roll please ... always!  He is always with us.  Always loving us.  Always wanting us to find comfort, refuge, joy and satisfaction in Him.

As Christmas approaches and a New Year dawns, let's be mindful of God's promise that we are never alone.  Just like the shepherds received the headline news of Jesus' birth from singing angels so long ago, receive this glad tiding of great joy today: If you are in Christ, then you are held by Hope.

Let's Pray
Holy Father, You are more wonderful that I can possibly imagine.  Thank You for sending Jesus, my Hope, to forgive me, to love me, and to restore me to Your heart.  I join the psalmist today in praying, "Sustain me according to Your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.  Uphold me, and I will be delivered" (Psalm 119:116-117a).  I'm leaning into Your heavenly hug today.

In Jesus' Name I pray,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Are you held by Hope?  Have you received the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ?  Are you seeking God?  He's waiting with His arms open wide.  CLICK HERE to find out more about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

More from the Girlfriends
Friend, I know that as sweet as Christmas is, it will be hard for many of you this year.   Pain is no respecter of persons, and loneliness can find us in a crowded room.  I pray that you will find comfort in knowing that -- whether you feel it or not - you are being held by the loving God of the universe.  If you, or someone you know needs encouragement, grab a copy of Gwen's book, "Broken into Beautiful."

To listen to some of Gwen's music, CLICK HERE!

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]

December 11, 2008
1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

Friend to Friend
With Christmas just around the corner, it is easy to get so busy with the cooking, decorating and shopping that we forget why we're doing all this in the first place.  Sometimes, the very people we love get lost in the hustle and bustle of packed schedules, holiday parties, and Christmas musicals.  This Christmas, let's keep our focus on Jesus and celebrate the reason He came.

Today, I want to share a poem that I wrote a few years ago that helps me keep a proper perspective.

1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style
©By Sharon Jaynes

If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show love to my family - I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family - I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family - It profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love never fails.  Video games will break; pearl necklaces will be lost; golf clubs will rust.  But giving the gift of love will endure.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, that starry night in Bethlehem.  Like the Shepherds, I am still amazed at Your great love.  May I not lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas, but celebrate Jesus' birthday with joy!

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
What are some ways that you can make sure to love your family well this holiday season?

Are there any activities that you need to eliminate from your busy schedule to alleviate over-commitment?  Is your family being neglected because of a hectic Christmas schedule?

If that question wasn't painful enough, here's another one.  Is Jesus being neglected as you prepare for His birthday?  Ouch!  I just stomped on my own toe!

More From The Girlfriends
It is hard not to get caught up in the pre-Christmas swirl of activity and to lose focus of what's important.  If you would like ways to keep Jesus the focus of your holiday season, you'll love Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas by Sharon Jaynes.  It's packed with helpful ideas and inspiration.

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]

December 12, 2008
Greed:  A Deadly Master
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'" Luke 12:15 (NIV)

Friend to Friend
If we are not careful, greed can become a deadly master -- especially during the Christmas season. Greed is serious business in God's eyes, reeking of idolatry and ulterior motives.  Greed lies easily and fervently urges an already disobedient heart on toward sin.  The true story is told of a self-made millionaire who had lived in New York City his entire life.  Born and raised in a ghetto, he worked hard and achieved much.  Anyone who knew this man would testify to the fact that he was generous - to a fault, some would say.  One year, the man was disturbed by an attitude of greed that seemed to pervade the Christmas holiday season and everyone around him.  Not one to condemn, the millionaire decided that since he had been given so much, it was up to him to do his part in combating greed and came up with an unusual plan.  Wearing a disguise, this man stuffed his pockets with $100 dollar bills and set out for a walk on the streets of New York City. When he saw someone in need, he whipped out one of the bills, pressed it into that person's hands and with a "Merry Christmas", made his way down the street.  "It was the most wonderful part of my holiday season," the man reported, and he has been doing it every since. 

In 2 Corinthians 9:7, the apostle Paul writes, "Each one should give as you have decided in your heart to give. You should not be sad when you give, and you should not give because you feel forced to give. God loves the person who gives happily." Giving with joy is Kingdom giving!  When we practice Kingdom giving, we are making eternal deposits "taking hold of real life" here on earth!  If, however, our motive is wrong, our gift will be wrong and will not count in the Kingdom of God.  Before you give, ask yourself, "What's in it for me?"  If the answer is "nothing", then go ahead and give the gift.  Choosing to examine heart motives will guard our hearts against greed, celebrating the commitment that "He is all I want". 

Greed can be very stressful in that it is never satisfied and never at rest.  There is always something more to be gained and someone else to outdo.  Sheep are dumb enough to eat until they are sick. They simply do not know when to stop.  A heart that is filled with greed behaves the same way. 

Cantaloupe may very well be my favorite food. When it is in season, I stock up and always have some on hand. Last summer, on a particularly hot day, a lunch of cantaloupe sounded luscious...and it was.  Afterwards, I was gone for several hours, running errands.  When I walked back in the front door that afternoon, a foul stench nearly knocked me down, it was so strong.  A dead animal was my first thought.  A plumbing problem was my next.  I began a room-to-room search that ended abruptly at the kitchen sink.  Opening the cabinet underneath, I nearly gagged at the stench that slapped me in the face, making my eyes water. I instantly remembered that I had thrown the cantaloupe peels in the garbage before running errands and forgotten to take them to the outside garbage can as I usually did.  The house reeked and the delicious cantaloupe was forgotten as I threw the peels away, lit every candle I could find and opened every window in an effort to eliminate the odor of rotting fruit.  Nasty!               

Greed acts the same way.  It is the gangrene of the soul.  If not quickly dealt with, greed will contaminate every emotion and create a foul stench in every part of life. "So get rid of all malicious behavior and deceit. Don't just pretend to be good! Be done with hypocrisy and jealousy and backstabbing" (1 Peter 2:1 NLT).  Greed must be treated like garbage!  Deliberately throw it away!  Remove it from your life immediately!  When the first hint of greed and jealousy comes, reject it!  Get rid of it!  Take it to the garbage!  Choose against it!  Fight it with Scripture and bombard it with prayer.  Nail it to the cross and count it dead.  "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20 NIV). Every motive in our heart must be nailed to the cross and considered dead. "Consider" is an accounting term and literally means to "reckon" or to "calculate".  While we will never be free from wrong motives this side of Heaven, we can and must "reckon" those very human and very wrong motives to be dead and through God's power, allow them no power or place in life. 

Greed is powerful and responsible for the downfall of so many. Money is a good servant but a poor master. Martin Luther once said, "God divided the hands into fingers so that money could slip through." One of the wealthiest men who ever lived was John D. Rockefeller. Following his death, a reporter interviewed Rockefeller's chief accountant and asked the pointed question, "How much did John D. leave? We know that he was very wealthy." Without hesitation, the accountant shot back, "Everything! He left everything!" Greed is a deadly master that is never satisfied. 

Let's Pray
Father, my heart is so easily filled with greed.  It seems that the more I have, the more I want.  Right now, I choose to focus on what I do have and to be contented.  Help me see You in every opportunity to give this Christmas season and please, Lord, give me Your generous heart so that others can see You in me. 

In Jesus' name, I pray
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
If I asked you to list your five most treasured possessions, what would they be?

Why are these things important to you?

Are these things tools or idols in your life?  Explain the difference.

Which one of these things can you give away this year as an offering of sacrifice and praise to God?

More From The Girlfriends
You have heard the familiar saying, "The most important things in life aren't things."  The truth of those words is often swallowed up in the frantic rush of Christmas giving.  Make this year different.  Ask yourself what you can give that will really matter in the life of that friend or loved one.  How will your gift help someone get through the New Year?  I have some ideas that might help you.  Download my two new MP3s, The Perfect Gift and The Secret of a Merry Christmas and discover how to enjoy a Christ-centered Christmas.  If you need a bible study to get you through the holidays and into the New Year, check out my 35 page E-Book Study, God's Answer to Stress now available for download.

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