Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

September 30, 2011
Making My Heart Sit Down
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom (Psalm 90:12, NLT).

Friend to Friend
Every minute of every day is either wasted or invested. Since the Bible contains over 400 verses about time, we can safely assume that time management is important to God. In fact, it is a spiritual discipline that helps determine the rate of growth and maturity of our faith. We not only need to view time as an eternal investment, but as an immediate one as well. One of the most valuable investments we can make is to spend time in solitude.   

I once read an African proverb, "Lord Jesus, make my heart sit down." Solitude is deliberately and diligently setting aside time to "sit down" at the feet of Jesus. It is in those still, quiet moments of solitude at His feet that we can more clearly hear God speak and gain strength and wisdom for the journey ahead. In order to practice solitude, we must learn how to budget time.   

It's been said that women must balance their time more carefully than men because women don't have wives. The fact is that we are all responsible for how we spend the time God has given us. Time is a precious gift. Every morning we are credited with 86,400 seconds. No balance is carried into the next day and every night erases what we fail to use. If we use it in the wrong way, that time is lost forever and cannot be reclaimed. Time that is not purposely and wisely budgeted will inevitably gravitate to our weaknesses and be stolen by others or wasted on the unimportant. We must budget time, just as Jesus did.

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

At the age of 12, Jesus traveled to Jerusalem with His parents for the annual Passover Celebration. When His parents began the long trip home, they did not miss their son at first, and when they did, assumed He was traveling with friends. Jesus was found in the temple - teaching. My first reaction would probably have been pride in the fact that religious scholars and teachers were actually listening to my young son. I would most likely have encouraged Jesus to continue, basking in the looming recognition and acclaim. Instead, Jesus returned home where, for 18 to 20 years, He simply grew and matured. Luke 2:52 tells us that Jesus grew mentally, physically, spiritually and socially. Luke 3 records the beginning of Jesus' ministry – the single most powerful ministry and life ever lived. In other words, Jesus Christ budgeted His time wisely, resulting in a balanced life of fulfilled purpose. We can live the same kind of life if our priorities are right.

Set priorities:Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us "there is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven" (NLT). We either set our life priorities or allow circumstances and other people to set them. We are often guilty of allowing human standards and expectations to determine priorities for our lives when what we need to do is set our priorities and then plan the days of our lives around them.

Schedule priorities: There is a right time and a right way to carry out right priorities. Ecclesiastes 8:5-6 warns, "For a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure. For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight" (NASB). We must schedule time for solitude. We must set aside portions of each day to spend with God.

Stick to priorities: The apostle Paul teaches us to "make the most of every opportunity" (Ephesians 5:16 NIV). Every challenge will either wreck our priorities or affirm them. Right priorities stand firm in the face of changing circumstances because God empowers them and honors obedience.

One day, we will all stand before the Father and give an account of how we have invested our time. Today, examine your time management habits in light of eternity. Initiate schedule changes that honor God and give Him first place in your life. Make a new commitment to invest your time wisely.

Let's Pray
Father, I recognize my need for time alone with You. I lay down my schedule, my agenda and anything else in my life that would keep me from that time. Please forgive me for the way I often squander away the minutes, hours and days of my life. Give me the power to invest time wisely and the wisdom to live a balanced life that pleases and honors You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Choose to practice solitude in your daily life.
Select a place to spend time in solitude.
Lay down your agenda. 
Focus on Him and listen for His voice.
Memorize Psalm 37:7 (NIV) "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him." 
Ask yourself these questions and use the answers to shape a plan for regular solitude:
Why am I afraid of silence?
What is the greatest obstacle to solitude in my life?
What steps do I have to take in order to remove those obstacles?
What do I hope to gain from time spent in solitude?
More from the Girlfriends
Learning to rest and be still before God is so important to our spiritual growth, strength and maturity. It won't just happen. We have to carve out time to spend alone with God in solitude. Time spent in solitude allows our heart to be still before God, filter through all of the voices in life, and seek out God's voice above the rest. I encourage you to read Psalm 23 every day this month and find time each week for solitude. Escaping the Stress Trap (available in book, CD or MP3 download) can be a helpful tool as you learn to make your heart sit down.

Come as You Areis Mary's NEW Online Bible Study that begins September 26! The most common invitation offered by Jesus Christ is simply to "come." He doesn't ask us to fix what is wrong or expect us to clean up our lives. That is His responsibility. Jesus loves us just as we are and when we come to Him with a "yes" in our hearts, He lovingly transforms the broken places into beautiful scars of healing that give birth to new life. Enroll before October 1and 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]

October 3, 2011
Satan's Tempting Tactics
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Adam and Eve had a wonderfully fulfilling life. They lived in God's presence. He walked and talked with them in the cool of the evening, and He met all of their needs.

"I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it.  They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground-everything that has the breath of life in it-I give every green plant for food," (Genesis 1:29-30).

God placed only one restriction on the pair. "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die," (Genesis 2:16-17).

In Genesis chapter three, we see where our ancestors made a grave decision that affected every person born thereafter. Satan came to Eve in the form of a serpent and tempted her with the one restriction placed on her by God. How did he do it?

1.    He questioned God. "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"

2.    He denied God. "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman.

3.    He caused her to doubt God's justice. "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

Satan is the great deceiver who takes what worked in the Garden and continues to use the same tactics today. He is not very creative, but he is highly effective. It is very important to understand his tactics in order to recognize and defeat them.  Paul said he was not ignorant of the devil's schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11 NASB), and we shouldn't be either. Satan tempts us to question God. Has God really said you must stay married to a man who doesn't meet your needs? He tempts us to deny God. God wouldn't count it as a sin for you to seek happiness elsewhere. He tempts us to doubt God's justice. What kind of God is He who would deny you the right to find happiness in the arms of a different man who appreciates you? These are lies, my friend. And just as God warned Eve, they are deadly.

The basis for Eve's temptation and for ours as well, is the lie that God is somehow holding out on us. Think about it. Can you think of any temptation that does not have its root in that lie? Eve had it all! And yet, Satan came to her and whispered, "God is holding out on you. There's more to be had than your perfect world. You can be like God. You can be in control."

Girlfriend, do not be deceived. Satan is a liar and the father of lies. He still tells lies today. He still deceives those who will listen in the same way he deceived Eve. So recognize the lies when you hear them, and stand on the truth of God's Word to watch him flee.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, Thank You for giving me everything I need for a life of godliness and the truth (1 Peter 1:3). Help me to be keenly aware of Satan's lies and recognize them for what they are.  When I have a tempting thought, I pray that the Holy Spirit will convict me, help me replace the lie with truth, and give me the power to walk the other way.  I want to be like David who said, "I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you," (Psalm 119:11).
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
I asked a question earlier, but let's think about it again.

Can you think of any temptation that is not based on the lie that God is holding out on you?

How did Jesus fight Satan's temptations when he was in the desert? (Matthew 4)

What did Satan do after Jesus answered him with Scripture?

What will Satan do when we fight him with Scripture? (James 4:7)

More from the Girlfriends
Satan has a whole bunch of lies to try to make us girls feel inferior, insecure, and inadequate.  If you would like to learn how to fight the enemy by recognizing the lies, rejecting the lies, and replacing the lies with truth, then you'll want to read Sharon's book, I'm Not Good Enough...and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves. It also comes with a Bible study guide perfect for groups or individual study.

[Judy Harder]

October 4, 2011
I Need a Shepherd
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
He tends his flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young (Isaiah 40:11, NIV).

Friend to Friend
Shepherds live with their sheep, finding places for them to eat and drink, providing shelter from the storms and protection from the heat. Sheep must eat the right amount of the right kinds of grass at the right times or they will die. If the sheep eat too little one day and too much the next day, some of the bacteria that live in the stomach of the sheep will reproduce abnormal levels, creating toxins which cause sudden death. The shepherd must carefully plan the path and lead the way so the sheep have neither too little nor too much grazing and are able to get to the water hole on time. Pastures are often lost to extreme heat which means the shepherd has to scour the countryside in search of green grass.

Several flocks of sheep are gathered together at night in a sheltered place so shepherds can share the watches of the night, protecting the sheep from wild animals and thieves. Good shepherds are always willing to risk their lives to save their flocks from any harm, any enemy and even from themselves.

The needs of sheep, compared to the needs of other animals, are greater because of their instinct to be afraid and when faced with a fearful situation, to run. Without a shepherd to care for the sheep, they would not last long. Sheep are dumb, can never be left alone and often stray, requiring the shepherd to continually find and rescue them. A shepherd never pushes his sheep but rather leads his sheep, going before them, making sure they are not walking into danger.

Personally, I definitely fit the profile of a sheep. I can't count the number of times I have stubbornly stuck to my plan, foolishly thinking that it was better than His plan, only to end up in some pit somewhere, calling for help. Psalm 40:1-3 has become my life maxim – with one exception. I rarely wait patiently. Remember, I am a sheep!

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD (Psalm 40:1-3, NIV).

I sometimes allow fear to drive me to a place where I am trapped by doubts and darkness until He rescues me.  I satisfy my hunger by eating the wrong things from the wrong hands found in the wrong places at the wrong times. The result is always the same; my soul is soon ravenous for what is good because I have been stuffing my heart and mind with what is bad.

Like every sheep, I don't like to be pushed. Good shepherds do not push, no matter how great the temptation.  A good shepherd stands in front of his sheep, gently calling their names, leading them to a place where he has already been, positioning himself between danger and his sheep. When I am tired and ready to give up, I tend to withdraw from the other sheep and even from my Shepherd. Many of us have somehow bought into the lie that we can make it on our own or that the rules and commandments of God do not necessarily apply to us like they apply to those other sheep. The longer I walk with God, the more I realize just how much we need each other and how much we need Him.  When will I learn that I cannot do life on my own – as a sheep or as a shepherd?

Let's think about the sheep for whom we are responsible as shepherds here on earth. We are all called by God in different ways to do different things, but we are all called to be a shepherd to someone. We live in a world filled with people who, like sheep, are lost, confused, hungry, lonely, and in desperate need of a Savior. Family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors are all part of our flock. And sometimes their needs are overwhelming.

You live with your sheep or everywhere you go you run into someone from your flock. Your phone rings off the wall, e-mails pile up and you are constantly trying to rescue one of your sheep who is in trouble. The feeding schedule of your flock is not an easy task either. Since sheep must eat the right amount of the right foods at the right time, you must always be prepared to feed them, according to their needs – not yours.  As a shepherd, you must know your sheep so well that you can lead them – not push them – in the right direction. The natural inclination of every sheep in your flock is to run when they sense danger. You may be trying to lead your sheep, but they are either too afraid or too stubborn to let you lead. You may be standing in the middle of their escape route, which may also mean that they will run right over you in their frantic stampede to escape. Remember that they are afraid and in desperate need of rescue. Your job, as their earthly shepherd, is to care for them and to continually point them to the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Remember, a good shepherd is willing to lay down his life for his sheep, just as Jesus Christ laid down His life for you and for me. Do you love your flock enough to lay down your life for each one – the cute, fluffy ones as well as the dirty, broken lambs?

Maybe it is time for us all to stop, listen for His voice, seek His plan and remember that we are indeed needy sheep who are called to love and lead other needy sheep to the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

Let's Pray
Father, thank You for laying down Your life so that I can live now and eternally. I am desperate for You. I am lost without Your love and power at work in my life. I don't know where to go or what to do. I am afraid, Lord. Right now, I surrender every part of my life to You. Please be my Shepherd and my Guide. Help me love and care for the people in my life and point them to You, Lord. Use me to love others and serve them in a way that pleases and honors You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Psalm 23:1-6 once a day for one month. Let it soak into your heart, mind and soul and become a living reality in your life. As you read Psalm 23, consider the following questions:

In what ways are sheep dependent on their shepherd?   
How do shepherds care for their sheep?
Compare the two lists. What similarities do you find in your own life?
More from the Girlfriends
Need help? Mary's book, Escaping the Stress Trap, is based on Psalm 23 and is a step-by-step plan for dealing with the stress in life and learning how to truly trust God. 

Come as You Are,Mary's NEW Online Bible Study, has just begun. Enroll before October 15and have access to all 2011 lessons. Need a friend? Connect with Mary on Facebookor through email.

[Judy Harder]

October 5, 2011
Follow Me
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth.  'Follow me,' Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him (Luke 5:27-28, NIV).

Friend to Friends
I was at a funeral for the father of a friend of mine.  Amazingly three of the deceased's nephews were preachers and each wanted a turn at eulogizing Uncle Bob.  There was a Baptist, a Pentecostal, and Methodist. It was a long service.  One of the preacher's stories about ole Uncle Bob really tickled me.  I've changed the names, but let's let nephew John tell the story.....

"When I was a young boy of 17, I was working in the family business, and didn't yet have my driver's license. Uncle Bob came over one day, took me by the arm, and said, 'Boy, it's time to go and get your driver's license.

"But Uncle Bob," I argued, "I haven't practiced enough. I'm not good enough yet."

"Don't you worry about that, son," he said. "I'll teach you what you need to know on the way."

So off they went to the Department of Motor Vehicles. One young man with nervous clammy hands. One older man with a determined knowing grin. John parked the car, not between the lines, but right smack dab in the middle of two spaces with the line running under the middle of the car. He very nervously walked into the building, fumbled through the driving test, and miraculously came out with a certificate and a license.

"I always wondered how in the world I passed that test," the now older man mused. "But years later I found out. Uncle Bob knew the Patrolman who administered the test."

Wow! I sat there on the edge of my seat! That was the gospel! Jesus takes us by the hand and tells us its time to get started moving on with Him. "Follow me," He calls. Sometimes we tell Him, "I'm not ready. I need more practice. I'm not good enough yet."

But Jesus says, "Don't you worry about that. Follow Me and I'll teach you what to do along the way."

Have you been putting off doing something that God has called you to do because you feel like you're not ready? If so, don't put it off any longer. Jesus says, "Follow me." He'll take care of the rest.

Have you been putting off accepting Jesus as your personal Savior because you feel you're not ready? If so, Jesus says, "Follow me." What are you waiting for?

Let's Pray
Dear God, sometimes I am hesitant to do what You are calling me to do because I don't feel that I'm ready. But I know that I am ready the moment You call me and that You will supply all my needs according to Your riches in glory. I am so thankful that we never have to get ready to be saved! You tell us to come as we are. "Just as I am without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me." Hallelujah! "Oh Lamb of God, I come. I come."
In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Is there something that God is calling you to do but you have put it off because you feel you're not ready?

Do you think that God would call us to a task and leave us to fend for ourselves?

If you have not accepted Jesus as Your Savior, what's stopping you? If He has called, then you ARE ready. Don't worry about being good enough. None of us ever could be. But He will teach you what you need to know along the way.

If you have never prayed to receive Jesus, I have a short video that will walk you through the steps.  Simply click on www.jesusforwomen.com. If you pray the prayer to accept Christ, I'd love to hear about! Please email me at Sharon@sharonjaynes.com.

More from the Girlfriends
Would you like to know more about becoming a Christian and committing your life to Christ?  If so, click on this link and read more about knowing God on the Girlfriends in God website, www.girlfriendsinGod.com.

[Judy Harder]

October 6, 2011
I Have a Shepherd
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Know that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep he tends. (Psalm 100:3, NCV)

Friend to Friend
Shepherding was one of the oldest callings in Israel, even before farming. Shepherds traveled from place to place, living in tents while driving their flocks from one pasture to another. The sheep and their shepherd lived together every minute of every day. In fact, they were so intimately bound together that individual sheep, even when mixed with other flocks, could recognize the voice of their own shepherd and would come immediately when called by name.

A shepherd owned and marked his sheep. In some cases, the sheep were even branded, although branding is no longer an accepted method of identification because of the damage it does to the wool. Today, the ears of sheep are pierced with identification tags, but for thousands of years, shepherds around the world marked their sheep by notching their ears with a sharp knife. Each shepherd had his own distinctive notch that indicated identity and ownership.

When we come to Jesus Christ in complete surrender and begin the journey of becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ, we are redeemed by His forgiveness, made whole by His grace and marked with His love through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

You were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13, NIV).

For years, I desperately struggled to be a Christian with only head knowledge of who God was and wanted to be in my life. The result was a pitifully shallow existence with stress and frustration as my constant companions. To make things worse, I was up to my neck in ministry at the time.

I grew up in a Christian home, attending church just about every time the doors were open. I sang all of the right songs, spoke all of the right words and did all of the right things in front of all the right people. I fervently prayed that my works would validate my faith and desperately hoped that by following the rules, I would please the Ruler. It was not until middle school that the authentic life and spiritual integrity of a dynamic youth pastor made me hunger and thirst for something more. I wanted to know God - not only as my Lord and King - but as my Shepherd, the one who would lead me, provide for me and love me like no other.

During a special Saturday evening revival service at our small country church, I sat in my usual spot, desperately clutching the back of the pew in front of me while wrestling with God over the condition of my soul and my eternal security. After all, I was a very active church member, a soloist and pianist for our worship services, and even directed a children's choir. I never missed a service unless I was deathly ill. I was a leader in our youth group, rarely failed to attend a youth activity and often brought friends who were lost, unlike me, of course, and needed to know God. How embarrassing to walk down that aisle, admitting to everyone that I had been living a lie. I clung to that pew in sheer arrogance and argued that I was a Christian. I must be – right? Look at all of the good things I had done. I looked like a believer, talked like a believer and even acted like I was fully devoted to God.

Then a startling certainty hit me like a ton of bricks! I knew all about God but I did not know Him. It wasn't enough for me or for God. I have come to realize that God's perfect love settles for nothing less than an intimate and loving relationship with His children. That night I met Jesus Christ as I surrendered all that I knew about myself to all that I knew about Him.

While the course of my life was changed forever, I quickly discovered I still had to deal with life on a daily basis and still had to face stressful situations. I also discovered who I really am - a sheep - and being a sheep is awesome! When I am afraid, Jesus Christ is there to bring peace. When my heart is broken, the Holy Spirit comforts and restores me. Even when I found myself in a deep, dark pit of clinical depression, Jesus Christ, my Shepherd, led me from the darkness into the light.

I began to understand the incredible truth that Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, has planned my very existence, prepared a plan in response to His love for me, and even made provision for the payment of my past, present and future sin. I am wanted, chosen and marked for God. I no longer have to live life on my own because I have a Shepherd. God's love precedes me, goes before me and surrounds me as I live each day.  Knowing we are loved fosters peace in our hearts, and when our hearts are filled with peace, there is little room for stress.

Actually, when you think about it, sheep don't come across as stressed-out creatures. In fact, they seem almost oblivious to danger. Sheep don't seem to worry about where their next meal is coming from, if they will have a place to sleep each night, when the next enemy or thief will attack, or even what the next day holds. When sheep are sick or in need, they simply turn to their Shepherd, instinctively knowing He will take care of them and comfort them until healing comes.

We need to remember and often revisit the fact that we are all sheep and that Jesus Christ really is our Shepherd and nothing else really matters.

Let's Pray
Thank You, Lord, for being so faithful to me – even when my faith is small and my strength is gone. Help me learn how to trust You more and turn to You first when I am in trouble. I surrender my fears to You, Lord. I need Your love and guidance to get me through each day. I need Your protection from people and circumstances that are harmful. You are my Source and my Deliverer.  Help me choose to trust You in such a way that brings You glory and honor.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Record the following promises in your journal. Beside each promise, write the words of Psalm 23 that substantiate that promise. I have listed a few to help you get started.

God promises to meet every need in my life. "I shall not want."
God gives me rest and peace. "He leads me beside quiet waters."
God gives my life purpose and direction._________________________________________
God comforts me when my heart is broken. ______________________________________
God promises that He will never leave me._______________________________________
God gives me victory over my enemies. _________________________________________
God promises me eternal life. _________________________________________________

More from the Girlfriends
Need help? Mary's book, Escaping the Stress Trap, is based on Psalm 23 and is a step-by-step plan for dealing with the stress in life and learning to truly trust God.

Come as You Are, Mary's NEW Online Bible Study, has just begun. Enroll before October 15and 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]

October 7, 2011
Becoming More Fruitful
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful" (John 1:2, NIV).

Friend to Friend
On a family visit to the beach, our room had a balcony that overlooked the swimming pool. I sat on the balcony one morning and watched as a maintenance man for the resort approached a palm tree and pulled a brown, life-less branch from under the green leaves. Oddly, before he pulled the dead branch, I hadn't even noticed it was there. After he pulled it, however, I noticed that the palm tree looked fresh and vibrant. Healthy. The pruning made such a difference!

Jesus spoke to His disciples and said, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, thatyou bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 15:1-8, NIV

The maintenance man at the resort didn't pull the branch off to hurt the palm tree. He pruned it to increase its beauty, health and vibrancy. God does the same for us. He prunes His children to increase our beauty, health and vibrancy for our good and for His glory - to make us more useful to Him and more fruitful.

Are there any dead branches hanging on the tree of you?

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, thank You for Your perfect love that longs for me to be fruitful and beautiful in You. Please remove any life-less branches in my life. As the psalmist prayed: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV).
In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
How fruitful is your life?

Read John 15:1-17 and spend some time reflecting on God's plan for you to become more fruitful.

More from the Girlfriends
It seems kind of weird that we should want to go through the pain of pruning, doesn't it? It reminds me a bit of the old workout saying, "No pain, no gain." When you allow the Lord to expose dead branches in your life and to strip them away, a simple, radiant beauty remains. You become a more vibrant reflection of Him and become better equipped to bear fruit. Trust Him, friend...no matter what or whom He may call you to give up. Click over to my Facebook page and tell me how today's devotion spoke to your heart today. What lessons are you learning? I'd love to hear about it. www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic.

Gwen's most recent CD, Uncluttered, is music that's 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. You can find it on iTunes, or check out the CD SPECIALS going on now at http://gwensmith.net/store/specials.htm.

[Judy Harder]

October 10, 2011
How to Let Peace Rule
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts (Colossians 3:15a, NIV).

Friend to Friend
Understanding peace does not guarantee the presence of peace. I can fill my days with so many tasks, meetings, appointments, tasks and activities that peace disintegrates before noon. In Colossians 3:15, Paul encourages us to "let the peace of Christ rule" in our hearts. The word "rule" is an athletic term meaning "to preside at the games and distribute the prizes." Sounds like a typical day in the life of a woman to me!

In the Greek games, there were judges who rejected the contestants who were not qualified and disqualified those who broke the rules. Today, we would call them "umpires" and the playing field of peace would be our hearts. "Heart" refers to "the center of one's being." Peace begins its reign in the center of our being; then works its way out into every nook and cranny of life - if we allow peace to rule. 

Admittedly, there are times in life when an umpire seems like a good idea because many of us relish a good fight. We say we want peace, but not at the price of giving up control or surrendering personal agendas. We must stand firm in our resolve to pursue harmony and peace, even if it means giving up rights and yielding control.

Relationships must be committed to peace. It is difficult to wage war with someone who has laid down their weapons in an act of surrender. Ah, there's that dreaded word again - surrender. Surrender is the heart beat of peace. The choice to surrender initiates the process of allowing peace to rule. I guess you could say the peace of God is our "umpire" and in every situation and stands ready to make the calls that will lead us to rest in and trust Him – when we choose to let peace rule. The work of peace is always unleashed by our choices which invite the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.   

Choose to be obedient.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:16-17, NIV).

The lakes in Florida are beautiful, but relatively shallow as well. Over the years, they fill up with the silt and mire that wash off the shore. In time, they accumulate 2 to 3 feet of mire and decaying vegetation at the bottom. Soon that mire begins to deprive the lake, plants and fish of valuable oxygen and eventually the lakes literally die. In order to halt this process, a program has been put in place to drain the lakes periodically and expose the mire. After the mire is exposed, workers come in and dredge the mire – restoring the lake bottom to its original condition. The lake water can then be raised and soon the lake, its vegetation and fish are thriving again.

Our lives are much the same. We need to regularly expose and eliminate the "mire" or sin in our lives. The more we seek God, walk in obedience and nurture our relationship with Him, the stronger our peace will grow. When we have a personal relationship with God, we also have access to all of God's power and all of God's peace. How much power we receive from Him and how much peace we experience in Him depends upon how right our relationship is with Him.

Choose to be accountable.
Admonish one another with all wisdom (Colossian 3:16b, NIV).

"Admonish" literally means "to warn, to instruct or correct." Paul is talking about obedience that is guarded by accountability. As John 14:23 (NCV) states, how much we love God is measured by how much we obey God. "Jesus answered, 'If people love me, they will obey my teaching.'" Obedience is easier in an atmosphere of accountability.   

Dan and I learned countless life lessons in ministry but one of the most important lessons was in the area of accountability. Hardly a week passes without a distressed phone call from some pastor or pastor's wife, asking for help in their marriage, their ministry, or their personal lives. The problems ranged from drug addictions and alcoholism, to extra-marital affairs, prodigal children, mishandling church funds or...well, you name it! Every phone call serves as a reminder for us to be diligent in our efforts to maintain integrity. Wooden office doors at the church have been replaced with glass doors.  We have a staff of professional counselors who handle the mounting demands and need for ongoing, personal counseling. Weekly staff meetings always include a time of holding each other accountable for time spent with children, dates with spouses as well as blunt conversations concerning potential temptations or struggles. Accountability is a hedge of protection that helps protect us from the storms and temptations in life.

After planting several pine trees in our front yard, I was concerned that they were not growing straight, even though we had planted them straight. One of our neighbors told me not to worry. "The winter winds are coming," she explained. "The pines will grow against the wind and naturally straighten themselves while gaining strength to survive the winter." Her words of plant-life-wisdom ring true for each one of us. Obedience and accountability encourage peace and strengthen us for the storms of life.

Let's Pray
Father, I am weak and recognize my helplessness to be obedient without Your strength and power. I have sinned against You, Lord. I now confess that sin and choose to turn away from it. Thank You for the forgiveness and restoration I find in You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Spiritual maturity is not measured by how much we know. Spiritual maturity is measured by how much we do. The confession of sin is an important spiritual discipline we need to cultivate in order to grow in Christ. Read and memorize the following verses of Scripture:

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8, NIV).

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

More from the Girlfriends
Need help? Mary's book, Escaping the Stress Trap, is based on Psalm 23 and is a step-by-step plan for dealing with the stress in life and learning to truly trust God. Looking for a Bible study? Check out Mary's E-Book Bible studies, How to Find Your Missing Peace and Winning the War with Temptation.

Come as You Are, Mary's NEW Online Bible Study, has just begun. Enroll before October 15and 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]

October 11, 2011
Trusting God No Matter What
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV).

Friend to Friend
There is nothing wrong with us trying to understand why bad things happen. However, the Bible clearly tells us not to depend on or lean on our ability to answer the tough question...why.   "Trust in the Lord with all your heart," the writer of Proverbs tells us, "and do not lean on your own understanding," (Proverbs 3:5).

Ultimately, God is in control and His ways are higher than our ways. God reminds us, "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts'" (Isaiah 55:8-9). Dr. James Dobson, in his book, When God Doesn't Make Sense says "trying to analyze His (God's) omnipotence is like an amoeba attempting to comprehend the behavior of man." It is simply not possible. 

But one thing we can be sure of, "all the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful," whether we understand them or not (Psalm 25:10). "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.  Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known" (1 Corinthians 13:12). It may not be until we cross over from the temporal to the eternal that we understand the many "whys" of life.  Until then, we must trust in the sovereignty of God.

No matter what you have gone through or what you will go through in the future, God promises: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand," (Isaiah 41:10).

God wants to know if you will trust Him no matter what your outward circumstances may be. Will you say with Job, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him," (Job 13:15)?

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I thank You that Your ways are higher than my ways. I make a poor god even on my best days.  I thank You for being an all-knowing, all-seeing, ever-present God who knows what's best for me. Forgive me for questioning You and help me to trust you more.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What area do you have the most difficulty trusting God?  Your marriage?  Your children?  Your finances?

Do you believe that God understands that area of your life better than you do?

Are you willing to trust God even though you do not understand His ways?

Meditate on the Scriptures that are mentioned in today's devotional.

More from the Girlfriends
Do you want to learn how to trust God more?  Sharon's book, Becoming Spiritually Beautiful will help you get there. Learn Who God is and what He wants to do to transform your life!

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


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

[Judy Harder]

October 12, 2011
T-H-I-N-K
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule for everything she says (Proverbs 31:26, NIV).

Friend to Friend
A father took his six-year-old daughter on a "date" to their favorite restaurant. During the meal, the dad did most of the talking as he told his little girl how wonderful she was, how proud of he was to be her dad and how special she was to him and to God. After he had done what he thought was a sufficient job, he picked up his fork and began to eat. His daughter put her little hand on his arm and stopped him with these words, "Longer, Daddy. Longer!" The father said he didn't eat much food that day, but a little girl's hungry heart was certainly fed.

Life is filled with hungry hearts. I really believe most of us delight in finding creative ways to touch those hearts and are passionate about introducing them to God's love, forgiveness and transforming power. However, I wonder how many of us miss the hungry hearts that greet us each morning across the breakfast table, wait for us to come home each night or silently long for us to convince them that they really are not total failures. Every day, we cross paths with people who feel unworthy and unwanted. They have no idea how special they are to us and in the eyes of God. How easy it is to lose focus and scramble priorities. We get so busy doing such good things and miss one of the highest things God created us to do – encourage one another.

One of the greatest gifts we can give the people in our lives is the gift of a guarded tongue. The Psalmist writes, "Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD: keep watch over the door of my lips." Someone once said, "Lord, please bridle my tongue, so that on Judgment Day, I will not be guilty of assault with a deadly weapon." The power of the spoken word is great in that words are like seeds. What we plant will grow. If we plant negative words, destructive and critical words, we will reap relationships that are negative, destructive and critical. On the other hand, if we consistently plant words of encouragement, our relationships will flourish.  Look for the good in your family and friends – and then speak it. Be a cheerleader for the people God sends your way. Everyone needs a cheerleader!

CBS released a movie about Karen Carpenter, the talented singer who rose to stardom while singing with her brother, Richard. At the young age of 32, Karen Carpenter died unexpectedly of heart failure, the result of many years of abuse caused by the eating disorder, Anorexia Nervosa. What amazed and saddened me most about Karen Carpenter was the underlying reason for her fatal obsession with weight control. It seems that a reporter once called her "Richard's chubby sister." Careless words, spoken without thought, can demolish a life.

We need to ask God to teach us to understand just how powerful our words are. Proverbs 31:26 reads, "When she speaks, she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly." How I wish that statement could be said about me. There are days when I desperately want to rip out my unruly tongue or reach out and grasp the harsh words I have just spoken and stuff them back into my mouth. What was I thinking? That's just it. I wasn't thinking. We would be wise to ask ourselves these questions before speaking:

            T          Is it true?
            H         Is it helpful?
            I           Is it inspiring?
            N         Is it necessary?
            K          Is it kind?

Over the years, I have had many, many opportunities in ministry and in life to learn from my mistakes when it comes to the way I speak and the words I use. Here are a few thoughts for us all to consider:

Use the five to one ratio when correcting someone – five positive comments to one negative comment.
The harder the truth, the greater the love with which it should be said.
Never put confrontational words in writing. Instead, confront face-to-face and write only words of encouragement that can be read again and again.                                                                         
Our words should not only be guarded and carefully measured, but should be filled with wisdom and kindness as well.     
While it is our responsibility to train our children in daily living, it is more important that we train them in Kingdom living. Words of wisdom gleaned from God's Word will not only transform the hearts and lives of our husband and children, but our own as well. Look for every opportunity to emphasize God's words as a model for the words we speak.
Make it a daily habit to speak words of encouragement to the people with whom you come in contact. By doing so, your heart and mind will soon be trained to focus on the good in each other. And that perspective builds healthy relationships.   
The Apostle Paul writes, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29, NIV). I wonder what our world would look like if the words we speak were ruled by wisdom and kindness.

Let's Pray
Father, I am so sorry for the careless words I have spoken today. I really do want to encourage and build others up with the words I speak. I cannot control my tongue without Your power and strength. Help me learn to think before I speak. Break my heart when my words hurt others. Teach me how to be a cheerleader for my family and friends so that Your love will flow through me into their lives.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

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

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

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

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

More from the Girlfriends
I know the subject of controlling the tongue is a tough one – especially when anger is involved. I constantly struggle to think before I speak. How about you? If you need help, check out my E-Bible Study: Anger Management 911.

Come as You Are, Mary's NEW Online Bible Study, has just begun. Enroll before October 15and 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]

October 13, 2011
When God says No
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5, 6, NASB).

Friend to Friend
Like any good parent, God's answers to our requests are not always "yes."  When God says "no," we must accept the fact that our Father knows best.

In my own life, my desire was to have three or four children. I conceived my first child with no problem. Little did I know at the time that Steven would be my only child. For years my husband and I prayed for more children. We traveled down the road of infertility doctors, diagnostic procedures, and timed intimacy which is anything but intimate. As hard as it was for me to accept, God said "no."

Do I understand God's decision completely? No, I do not. But I've come to realize that He doesn't owe me an explanation. God is God. He does what He pleases and I must trust Him. When we can't see His hand, we must trust His heart. I so know this: "One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving," (Psalm 62: 11,12). God is strong – He can do anything. God is loving – He will always do what is in our best interest.

Have you ever considered that God said no to His own Son, Jesus? Just before His arrest, Jesus prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me," (Matthew 26:39).  And yet, God said "no."  Jesus went to the cross. God knew it was the only way. He loves you and me that much.

We can be assured that if God does say "no" to our requests, it is for the same reason – He loves you and me that much.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I am so glad that You have not answered "yes" to every one of my requests. When I think about what my life would be like if You had given me everything I had ever asked for... oh my, I shudder.  Thank You for loving me enough to say "no."  Thank You for answering each and every prayer with Your infinite wisdom. I trust You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Make a list of some prayer requests that you are glad God said "No" to.

Are there some prayer requests that God has said "no" to that you don't understand?

Are you willing to trust that God knows best?

I would love to hear how you are thankful for one of God's "no" answers in your life.  Let's chat at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes.

More from the Girlfriends
We all have broken dreams.  What do you do when life doesn't turn out the way you thought it would?  What do you do with broken dreams or unfulfilled longings?  Learn how God wants to fulfill your dreams in His own way and in His own timing in Sharon's book, 5 Dreams of Every Woman...and How God Wants to Fulfill Them. It also includes a Bible study guide that is perfect for group or individual study.

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