Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

December 12, 2011
Hang On!
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me (Psalm 63:8, NIV).

Friend to Friend
Have you ever felt that this thing called life is just too hard?  I know I have.  Sometimes life just does not turn out like I thought it would.  That's when I have to hang onto God and simply trust Him.

I remember when my son was four-years-old and I was trying to teach him how to snow ski.  The first day was just horrible...at least it was for me.  I felt like a down-covered workhorse as I lugged two sets of skis in one arm while dragging along Steven with the other. Clunky ski boots, overstuffed mittens, and a hooded snowsuit made it difficult for Steven to maneuver. Add all that to the slippery snow, and we had the perfect formula for a day of whining in winter wonderland.

I tried to teach Steven how to snow plow to keep from going too fast.  That's when you point the tips of the skis toward the center and the backs of the skis point out.  Well, he just wasn't catching on.  He fell and he fell and he fell.

Finally, I came up with another idea.  I made an A-frame tent with my legs, Steven stood in front of me, and wrapped his arms around my thighs.  Off we went.  We moved as one.  If I turned left, he went with me.  If I turned right, he went with me.  His only responsibility was to hang on and relinquish control.  And even though he thought he was skiing, in reality, I was the one skiing and he was simply along for the ride.

That is a great picture of what trusting God is all about.  That's a picture of what "abiding in Jesus" is all about.  We cling to him, hang on to Him, abide in Him.  If He goes left, I go left.  If He goes right, I go right.  David wrote in Psalm 63:8, "My soul clings to You." In other words, David was saying, "I'm hanging on for dear life" Just like Steven did.

Today, as you move through life, cling to Jesus.  Hang on to Him.  Acknowledge His presence with you and His Spirit in you. Trust Him!

Let's Pray
Jesus, I'm trusting You today.  I'm clinging to You.  I'm hanging on Your every word.
In Your Name, men.

Now It's Your Turn
What do you think David meant when he wrote, "My soul clings to you."  Notice he said "soul."  That encompasses the mind, will and emotions.

What are some ways your "soul" can cling to Jesus as you move through your day?  I'd love to hear your answers.  It might be just want someone needs to hear!  Log onto www.facebook.com/sharonjaynesand tell me what you think!

More from the Girlfriends

It's finally here!Sharon, Gwen and Mary's new 12-week devotion book, Trusting God,is now available. This is the perfect book for individual study or for gathering a group of friends in what we call GiG Groups. With impactful devotions, study questions, journal pages, free on-line video intros, and an index of trust-building Scriptures...this book is a resource you'll refer to time-and-time again.

[Judy Harder]

December 13, 2011
Gifts That Matter Part 1
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you (Luke 6:38, NLT).

Friend to Friend
The world would like us to believe that the success of Christmas depends upon how much we spend, how many presents we give or how many presents we receive. Christmas is about giving, but price tags do not determine the success of our giving. Giving is not dependent on the condition of our checkbooks. Giving is dependent on the condition of our hearts. I am so glad! Like you, we have to plan carefully what we buy and how much we spend on each gift. As a result, we have discovered some creative ways to give gifts from the heart, meaningful gifts that cost very little.

A homemade gift
In 1 Corinthians 4:12, Paul teaches that we should "work hard with our own hands." This principle can easily be applied to Christmas gifts. Giving a homemade gift represents time, thought and is a part of you. When our children were small, one of our favorite Christmas traditions was to create and deliver a homemade hot chocolate mix in decorated mason jars to our neighbors. We placed the jars just to the left of each neighbor's front door, rang their doorbell and ran like crazy! I am not certain who enjoyed it the most ... our neighbors or us. But every year, we were amazed by how much the neighbors enjoyed our homemade gift. (By the way, the recipe posted on my website if you want to carry on this tradition.)

A possession gift
In Matthew 6:40, Jesus spoke about giving away the shirt and coat on our backs. Giving something we already own can be a wonderful Christmas gift if it is something of special value to us. In other words, it is not the idea of getting rid of junk but sharing our treasure. Do not ask the question, "What can I buy for Sally?" Ask the question, "What do I have that would mean a lot to Sally?" My husband is a pastor. During a message, Dan mentioned he collects old Bibles. The next Christmas, one of our church members gave him a family Bible that had been passed down through several generations of family members. It was and still is one of Dan's most precious possessions.

A gift of time
Time is a valuable gift, a precious commodity. The apostle Paul wrote, "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity" (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV). When we give someone 30 minutes of our time, we are giving them 30 minutes of our lives. While Dan was in seminary, we rarely had a spare minute or extra dollar between school, jobs and babies. A close friend who knew our schedule gave us a precious gift of time. "I have no money but wanted to give you a gift for Christmas," he said, handing us a card. Inside was a coupon for free childcare one afternoon each week for the spring semester. That was over twenty-five years ago, and I still remember that wonderful gift of time.

A gift of prayer
The greatest gift we can give someone is the commitment to pray for them consistently. James writes, "Pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results" (James 5:16, NLT).  Following our traditional Christmas Eve service, an elderly lady approached Dan and said, "I don't have anything to give you, Pastor. But I want you to know that I will pray for you, Mary and the kids every morning this year at 6:00 a.m." And she did! What a priceless gift! Every time she saw us, this sweet lady asked what we needed and how she should pray. Only Heaven knows all that God accomplished in our lives through the prayers of this godly woman.

A gift of encouragement
As the writer of Proverbs says, encouragement is a powerful gift. "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up" (Proverbs 12:25, NIV). We assume the people in our lives know how much they mean to us. They rarely do. This Christmas, write a letter to someone you love and appreciate, telling them how important they are to you. Be specific. A written note or letter requires time, careful thought and allows that person to read your words of encouragement again and again. One of my most prized possessions is a blue wooden box our son built and gave me one year for Christmas. In that box, I store notes, letters and cards of affirmation so on my "blue" days, I can pull out a dose of encouragement. One year, I wrote a letter of encouragement to my husband and to each child. The letters were placed in decorated envelopes, tied to branches of the Christmas tree and opened first on Christmas morning.

On Thursday, I will share with you six more gifts from the heart. I pray this holiday season will lead us once again to the manger, where we will worship the Christ child and experience a Christmas holiday filled with love, peace and joy.

Let's Pray
Father, teach us to celebrate Your birth in the way we give to others. Lord, I don't want to get caught up in buying gifts that make me feel good. I want to give gifts that honor God, encourage others and point them to the real reason for this season – Jesus. Be glorified in every gift I give this year.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read and memorize Luke 6:38 that says, "If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you.

What does this verse tell you about how important it is to give?
What does this verse say about the importance of the attitude behind the gift?
What does God promise to do in our lives when we give generously?

More from the Girlfriends
No matter what your circumstances may be, you can celebrate the Christmas holidays because God is with you, girlfriend.

Don't miss the biggest sale of the year going on in Mary's online store December 1 – 15! Great savings on Books, CDs, MP3 downloads, E-Bible Studies and Video downloads. Every order is also an automatic entry to win one of three copies of Girlfriends in God's first devotional book, Trusting God. Winners will be announced on December 15.

If you are like me, you are easily swept into the rush of Christmas preparation. I love it – mostly. But I also want to remember that at the very heart of Christmas is Emanuel, God with us. Join me this Christmas season in a quest to celebrate Him and His birth as never before. Need a friend? Connect with Mary on Facebook - or through email.



December 14, 2011
I Want a Daddy
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters (2 Corinthians 6:18 emphasis added, NIV).

Friend to Friend
Several years ago, my friend Gayle learned a wonderful lesson from her pint-size granddaughter. Carlie was sitting in the back seat of Gayle's car with her little best friend.  Carlie and this little friend were born on the same day, and their moms were in hospital rooms right beside each other.  Not only that, the two girls lived in the same apartment complex. One difference was that Carlie's friend never knew her father.  Her mom had boyfriends that came and went through the years, but never a real dad.

When Gayle kept Carlie on the weekends, sometimes her best friend came along. That meant that on Sunday's when Gayle and her granddaughter went to church, Carlie's little friend went along, too.

One day, Gayle had both girls in the back seat when she was running an errand. They were about five-years-old at the time. And out of the blue, Carlie's little friend said, "I wish I had a daddy like you have a daddy."

And Carlie replied, "Oh you do have a daddy."

"No I don't. I want a daddy like you have a daddy. I wish I had a daddy."

"But you do have a daddy," Carlie answered back. "We all have a daddy. God is our daddy. He's everybody's daddy."

Gayle looked in her rearview mirror and saw Carlie's friend hold up her hands in exasperation. "Why has nobody ever told me this?"

How precious!  Listen. I have a daddy.  You have a daddy.  God is your Father and He loves you more than you could ever know.  Today, my prayer is that you'll know just how much your Heavenly Father loves you!  He's crazy about you and excited to spend this time with you. Trust God! He's got so much to share with you.

Let's Pray
Dear Abba Father, I am trusting You today!  I am so thankful that You are my heavenly Father who loves me unconditionally, cares for me unceasingly, and provides for me unreservedly.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Make a list of everything you want in a father.
Then go back to that list and put a check beside every one of those qualities that you see in God.

Let's chat. Visit my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynesand tell me one quality of God as you father that means the most to you.

More from the Girlfriends

It's finally here!Sharon, Gwen and Mary's new 12-week devotion book, Trusting God,is now available. This is the perfect book for individual study or for gathering a group of friends in what we call GiG Groups. With impactful devotions, study questions, journal pages, free on-line video intros, and an index of trust-building Scriptures...this book is a resource you'll refer to time-and-time again.

[Judy Harder]

December 15, 2011
Gifts That Matter Part 2
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you (Luke 6:38, NLT).

Friend to Friend
Have you discovered the truth that we simply cannot "out-give" God? The more we give, the more we receive. And that truth does not just apply to financial giving. It is really all about the attitude behind the gift. Do you remember the Christmas gifts you received last year? How about the Christmas gifts you gave? What about the gift you gave Jesus? On Tuesday, we talked about several meaningful gifts you can give. Here are a few more for you to consider.

A gift of care   Galatians 6:2 (RSV) "Bear one another's burdens."             

Christmas is a time of empty hopes and fierce loneliness for many people. In fact, the holidays can be nothing more than a season riddled with pain. Every loss is magnified. Every wound is deepened. Pray that the Father will give you His eyes to see the broken lambs, crying out for help. This year, do something for someone who is hurting:

·         Invite them over for a meal.
·         Listen to them.
·         Meet one need in their life.
·         Include them in your celebration.
·         Take them shopping with you.

Christmas is always hard for me because it is a time when I especially miss my mother who died many years ago. I don't openly broadcast that fact but one Christmas, a precious older lady at our church somehow sensed that I was struggling and decided to meet a need in my life. Cards filled my mailbox. Every time I saw her, Miss Marion would hug me and tell me how much she loved me. She invited our children over to bake Christmas cookies and in doing so, became their adopted grandmother. Miss Marion died a few years ago, but her loving care and investment in my life lives on.

A secret gift   Matthew 6:3-4 (TLB) "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Give a gift to someone you know in secret without them knowing who it is from and with no hidden motive and no apparent benefit to you. Dan and I had been married for three years when we first discovered the joy that a "secret gift" can bring. Dan was in seminary, I was teaching elementary school, and we were both serving at a local church. It seemed as if we were always running, always tired and always broke. At one point, the financial picture was especially bleak. We had 10 days of life to go before the next pay day and not a cent to our name.  We told no one but God -- and waited. One Sunday night, we pulled up to the mobile home where we were living and started in the front (and only) door. There on the top step was a small but heavy package wrapped in brown paper. It was a brick. Taped to each side of the brick was a hundred dollar bill. God had provided for our needs through a truly generous heart, someone who had chosen to give a secret gift. To this day, we still have no idea who "bricked" us, but we often think of them and ask God to bless their gift of encouragement.

A gift of forgiveness   Colossians 3:13 (NCV) "Get along with each other, and forgive each other."

The Christmas holidays have a way of resurrecting past hurts. The greatest gift we can give ourselves for Christmas is the gift of forgiveness because in choosing to forgive someone else, we set ourselves free. Every 60 seconds of anger displaces 60 seconds of joy. Let go of the hurts. Forgive the wrongs and find healing.

Dan sold one of our old cars to a man who worked in the church maintenance department. A payment plan was created, the title was transferred and the man drove away, never to pay a cent. For months, I was furious, thinking of the man who had stolen our car. To make matters worse, the man then left the church to work at the grocery store -- my grocery store. Every time I bought groceries, he was there and he was smiling. Just the sight of him drove my blood pressure higher as my stomach knotted up with anger. Dan finally decided to give him the car. I decided not to give him the car until I realized the only person being hurt in the deal was me.  The next time I bought groceries I walked up to the man and said, "I hope the car is working well for you. Dan and I have decided to just give you the car as a gift." I walked away, a free woman, while he stood, open-mouthed and in shock, now holding his own guilt in his hands.

A gift of teaching   Romans 12:7 (NLT) "If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well."

What skill, ability or talent has God given you? Each one is from His hand, meant to be given away in service to others. Is there a young believer in your life you can mentor? What better time to share your gifts and abilities than at Christmas? You may be able to sew or play the piano, cook gourmet meals or beautifully decorate your home. Each talent and ability is a potential gift. In high school, my choral director gave me a free voice lesson each week. Consequently, I attended college on an academic and music scholarship because one woman chose to share her gift with me.

Get creative! Give a gift from the heart this year. May this be a Christmas filled with the joy of the Lord as you celebrate His birth and life.   

Let's Pray
May God grant you the light in Christmas which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is love; the radiance of Christmas, which is purity; the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice; the belief in Christmas, which is truth and the all of Christmas, which is Christ.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Grab your Christmas list and set aside some time to pray for each person on that list this week. Do you need to rethink some of the gifts you are giving this year? It is not too late! Ask God how you can best honor His birth by the gifts you give to others.

More from the Girlfriends
No matter what your circumstances may be, you can celebrate the Christmas holidays because God is with you, girlfriend. Need a friend? Connect with Mary on Facebook - or through email.

Don't miss the biggest sale of the year going on in Mary's online store December 1 – 15! Great savings on Books, CDs, MP3 downloads, E-Bible Studies and Video downloads. Every order is also an automatic entry to win one of three copies of Girlfriends in God's first devotional book, Trusting God. Winners will be announced on December 15.

[Judy Harder]

December 16, 2011
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'm a bit fussy 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-in-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 and that He "holds us fast." Relish that thought. The Hope that holds us is Jesus Christ. You and I 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).  My girlfriend Mary Southerland often reminds people 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 a Christmas approaches and 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. 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,
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 HEREto 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.

My Facebook page will be a page of prayer today. We'd love to pray for you. Please join us there: www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic.

[Judy Harder]

December 19, 2011
Singing the Gospel
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ - the Lord (Luke 2:10-11, NIV).

Friend to Friend
I love hearing children sing Christmas carols! One little girl was heard singing that the shepherds were "washing their socks by night!"  When my son was four-years-old, I overheard him singing "O Holy Night" in his best vibrato voice. I chuckled as I heard him boom, "Long lay the world in sin and everwhining!" Sin and error pining wasn't in his vocabulary, but he definitely understood the concept of ever whining.

When I became a Christian, the words to familiar Christmas carols began jumping off the pages of the hymnal. It seems the gospel was right there in the words to the carols, and I had missed it before. I began to see what God had done in my life in the words of Silent Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.

For example, let's look at the words to Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.

First, look at all those exclamation marks in the song! These angels must have been very excited, and no wonder! They were proclaiming the birth of Jesus, the "newborn King."

The second line says "Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled." Some people are not too crazy about the word "sinner." But originally it was an archery term that meant the distance between the bull's eye and where the arrow landed on the target.  Therefore, "sin" meant "to miss the perfect mark." And it still means that today. Sin means to miss the mark of God's perfection. The Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. And because of that sin, we have been separated from God. The first verse of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing tells us WHY Jesus came - to reconcile or join us back together with God. It also tells us TO WHOM Jesus came - "to all nations." No wonder the angels were so excited!

Verse one tells us why Jesus came. Verse two tells us WHO He was. He is adored in heaven.  He is the everlasting Lord. He is the offspring of a Virgin's womb. He is God with flesh and bones. He is Deity. He is Emmanuel - God with us.

Verse three tells us HOW the Christ child made eternal life available to all mankind. He laid aside His glorious heavenly position, came to Earth as a man, and gave His life so that we could experience second birth (be born again) and live eternally in heaven.

Hark! The Herald Angels Singtells us WHY Jesus came, WHO He was, and HOW He would accomplish His purposes to reconcile a lost world to God. That's the gospel in a nutshell, and it's all packed into one Christmas Carol.

This holiday season, as you sing the familiar Christmas Carols, look for the gospel among the verses and let the melody of God's great Gift fill your heart.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the men and women who have gone before us to pen the words to the carols we sing today. I pray that as I sing the familiar words, You will stir me to praise You afresh.  And I also pray for those who do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior.  I pray that as they sing the words to carols or even hear them on the radio, they will recognize the gospel and understand that Jesus came as the babe in the manger to die on the cross...because of His great love for them. I pray that they will hear the gospel and embrace the truth.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Pretend that you did not have a Bible handy, but only a hymnal or book of Christmas carols.  Could you explain the gospel through the words in the songs?  Why not give it a try.

If you have children, consider using a hymnal for a family devotion, explaining the meaning to various Christmas songs.

More from the Girlfriends:
It is hard not to get caught up in the pre-Christmas swirl of activity and 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 Christmasby Sharon Jaynes.  It's packed with helpful ideas and inspiration.

[Judy Harder]

December 20, 2011
A Box of Socks
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer (Matthew 21:22, NIV).

Friend to Friend
My sister loves socks! One day, we were shopping and happened to walk into a department store where neither one of us could afford to buy a single thing. We were just passing through, on our way to find the bargains we could afford. With a sigh and a wistful look on her face, Betty said, "I wish I could afford to shop in this store." When I asked her what she would buy, she immediately replied with a smile, "Socks! I want a big box of socks. I would wear a different pair every day." I could think of several things I would have liked to buy in that store and socks was not one of them. I guess it is a matter of perspective. What was important to her was not important to me.

I sometimes think my prayer requests are insignificant and unimpressive to God. After all, He is God. Does He really have the time or the desire to hear and answer my prayers? Yes! The truth is that if it is important to me, it is important to God.

Each Christmas, Operation Shoebox collects and sends over eight million shoeboxes stuffed with small gifts such as candy, school supplies, small toys, toothbrushes, soap, and shampoo to children across the world. In Mexico, hundreds of boys and girls gathered at the church in a small village, excitedly anticipating the arrival of their precious shoeboxes.

Delightful chaos erupted as bulging shoeboxes, wrapped in brightly colored paper and ribbon were passed into the small, eager hands of each child. Wrapping paper was hurriedly ripped into pieces and tossed aside, a smile spreading across the face of each child as their long awaited Christmas treasures were revealed. However, one little boy dissolved into tears as he lifted the lid of his box and peered inside to see what he had received for Christmas this year.

One of the Operation Shoebox volunteers spotted the little boy and hurriedly made his way across the church to see what the problem could possibly be. With the help of an interpreter, the volunteer asked the now sobbing little boy, "What is wrong? What is in your box?" With tears streaming down his face, the little boy said, "Socks!" The worker instantly understood and assured the little boy that he could trade his box of socks for another box that might have crayons, a toy or a piece of candy in it.

Alarm spread across the face of the child as he vigorously shook his head and quickly jerked the box away from the now somewhat confused worker. Clutching the shoebox to his chest, the boy began sobbing out an explanation to the interpreter who listened for a few moments and then, with tears spilling out of his own eyes, turned to the volunteer and said, "You won't believe this!"

Taking a deep, steadying breath, the interpreter explained, "This little boy has a rare skin condition with which he was born. It seems to affect his feet more than any other spot on his body. The doctors have tried various medications and treatments but finally told the little boy that nothing will work and his feet will never heal unless he begins wearing cotton socks. His parents cannot even afford food for this boy; much less provide socks for their son. So, all year long, he has been praying for socks."

Socks were at the top of the little boy's prayer list. As a matter of fact, they were his list. The mere sight of ordinary cotton socks brought tears to his eyes as he stared in awe at the priceless gift in his hands – socks. You see, they were more than just socks. They were the profound answer from our extraordinary God to a child's simple prayer. One unknown and seemingly insignificant boy in Mexico prayed. God heard him and said "Let me take care of you."

No matter how small or trivial your prayers may seem, remember God's perspective. If it is important to you, it is important to Him. And He will take care of you.

Let's Pray
Father, thank You for the privilege of coming before You in prayer. I want prayer to be as natural to me as breathing out and breathing in. I refuse to believe the lie that my prayers are too small or unimportant for You to hear. You are my Father. You are my God and You long to hear my voice. I will bring every prayer of my heart to You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Do you have your own "box of socks" for which you are praying? What is it?

Do you really believe that God will hear and answer your prayer?

Read Hebrews 11:6. How does your faith measure up to the faith described in this verse?

Today, pray in faith and see what God does!

More from the Girlfriends
Need a friend? Connect with Mary on Facebook - or through email. A new year is just around the corner. Is one of your resolutions for 2012 to have a daily quiet time? Need help? Check out Mary's Weekly Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. And be sure to get your copy of our new 12-week devotion book, Trusting God.

[Judy Harder]

December 21, 2011
Silent Night
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Christmas Day. I imagine if you're like most of us, you are still scurrying about with last minute Christmas preparations. What do you think the angels were doing on that first Christmas Eve? Do you think the heavenly host had one last choir practice before their concert on the hillside? Do you think God was making sure that everyone was in their proper places on the kingdom stage before the curtain rose to begin the grandest drama of all time? Do you think the Holy Spirit was hovering low over the entire world, stirring the hearts of men and women to receive the greatest gift of all?

I'm not sure what was happening in the heavenly realm the night before Jesus was born. But I do know that my heart is full of joy knowing that tomorrow we celebrate Jesus' birth once again.

Perhaps you have sung the words to Christmas carols hundreds of times in your life. But today, I encourage you to pause and read the words to one of my favorites as if you are seeing them for the first time. Read slowly. Ponder the words. "Glories stream from heaven afar"...picture it. "With the dawn of redeeming grace"...savor it.  "Christ the Savior is born"...celebrate it.

Silent night, holy night
All is calm all is bright
'Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born

Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, My heart quietly waits in anticipation of the grand celebration that tomorrow brings. Thank you for the gift of Your Son. Thank You for redeeming grace.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

The Girlfriends in God, Mary, Sharon, and Gwen, pray that you will have a joy-filled Christmas Day celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  We love you!

[Judy Harder]

December 22, 2011
Making a List ... Checking it Twice
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT).

Friend to Friend
Every year, I make a Christmas list comprised of every person for whom I am buying a gift.  Beside each name, I put a dollar amount, a limit for how much money I will spend for that gift, vowing not to spend one penny more than the set limit. (Somehow, the amount I actually spend rarely coincides with the amount I intended to spend.)  With every purchase, I then draw a beautiful red line through that name. Done!

I carry that list everywhere I go because sometimes I find a gift during a random shopping trip but mainly because I can't afford to let it out of my sight. There are evil people lurking in my home who will go to any lengths to find that list! You see, I am the Queen of Surprise when it comes to Christmas, so I must guard my list with my life in order to keep my "Queen-ship" status secure. Consequently, the list is hidden in various and unusual places such as a random file on my computer, in my closet, in an old purse, in a sock drawer, in a flower pot – you get the picture. I know where that Christmas list is at all times because it is my gift-giving plan for the holidays.

I wish I were just as concerned about "God's list" for my life; carrying His life plan for me in my heart and mind as I live each day, constantly making choices and decisions in light of that list, guarding it like the treasure map of eternity that it truly is. Just knowing the plan God has for me does not guarantee success. I must do the plan. That is where the choice to obey comes in. An obedient heart is a "fixed" heart and may very well be the gift God wants from us this holiday season.

Psalm 108:1
"O God, my heart is fixed!"

Psalm 40:8
"I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your law is written on my heart."

A "fixed" heart is a determined heart, a steadfast heart that is rightly focused on God and His will, His plan.  When we choose to follow God's plan, the desires of our heart will line up in obedience to that plan.  We will find our greatest joy in pleasing God, in doing His will because that is what we were created to do.

Maybe today is a good time to stop, go back over the list, review those life lessons we have learned, checking to see where we really are in our walk with God. Maybe today is the perfect time to revisit the manger to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by giving Him the gift of obedience.

Let's Pray
Father, I love You. Forgive me for the times when I choose to follow my own will instead of Yours. Teach me how to fix my heart on You and give me the strength to do what You created me to do. I know Your plan is the highest and best plan for me and that I was created in response to that plan. Thank You for the purpose that doing Your will brings to my life. Today, I choose to seek You and obey Your Word.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
A new year is just around the corner. Is one of your resolutions for 2012 to have a daily quiet time? Need help? Check out Mary's Weekly Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. And be sure to get your copy of our new 12-week devotion book, Trusting God.

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


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

[Judy Harder]

December 23, 2011
Let's Adore Him
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.  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

O come, all ye faithful,

Come everyone! Come sinners! Come saints!
Come if you're tired, hungry, lonely, or faint!

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

Joyful and triumphant;

Come with rejoicing! Come celebrate!
We worship the One who is mighty and great!

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4).

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!

Come home-school mom! Come business pro! Come friend, wife, sister, and daughter!
Let's bow down low and worship Him. Praise Son, Holy Spirit, and Father!

"Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11).

Come and behold Him – born the King of Angels!

Behold His majesty! Behold the matchless King!
Behold the holy One! Behold the saving Son!
He is the One deserving praise.
He is the Lord of night and day.
He is the God who reigns on high.
He is our holy Adonai.

"The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"  (John 1:29 NASB).

O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him – Christ the Lord!

Let's Pray
Lord Jesus, Words can't begin to express the gratefulness in my heart as I pause to adore You! Thank you for putting on a garment of humanity to rescue me from my sin.  You are holy and righteous and worthy of my praise. I bow before you today in humble adoration. I love You, Jesus and pray in Your name. Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Sing to the King!  Pause to sing this song of worship (either out loud or in your soul) to our deserving Lord and connect with Him in spirit and in truth.  I'll start: "O come, all ye faithful..."

Make a list of 12 reasons that Jesus is worthy of your adoration.

LISTEN to this song, Holy Adonai, which is posted on my facebook page today. (www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic) as a final heart-focused portion of our time together.  Adore Him!

More from the Girlfriends
NEED HEALING for some heart wounds? Got a friend going through a difficult time? Gwen's book, Broken Into Beautiful,takes the reader by the hand and shows her how God delights to transform lives. To order the book, go to Amazonor visit Gwen's website: http://www.gwensmith.net/.

Connect with Gwen on her facebook page! www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic

[Judy Harder]

December 26, 2011
Taking a Leap of Faith
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Several years ago, on a trip to Kauai, my husband and our friends, Larry and Cynthia Price, decided to go on a zip line through the jungle. After being jostled and tossed like ragdolls in the back of a retired army jeep, we finally made it to the top of the mountain from which we were going to zip down – risking life and limb I might add. Crazy, I know.

I hopped out of the jeep and eyed the cable suspended high above the valley below.  After watching Cynthia fly through the trees, I climbed up onto a wooden platform and surrendered to Jack, a jovial, burly Hawaiian, who strapped me into a harness and placed a helmet on my head. With a simple click of a metal buckle, he attached my harnessed body onto a seemingly flimsy steel cable. As I stood on the edge of the platform eyeing the disappearing earth below my feet, I had a choice. I could say, "no thanks" and asked to be released from the cable, or I could jump.

I chose to jump. My body flew over the treetops and the stunningly beautiful gorge. I was Tarzan's Jane and this was my jungle. Airborne. Exhilarating. Risky.

Jacob was with us that day. He was a stranger among our little band of adventures. Jacob was alone. No friends. No spouse. No family.

"Jacob, what brings you up to this mountain today?" I asked.

"I'm afraid of heights," he answered.

I then began to notice the thin line of perspiration beading over his upper lip. The slight tremble in his voice. The mechanical one-foot-in-front-of-the-other halted gait up the hill.

"You're afraid of heights?" I asked. "Then why are you here?"

"I'm going to conquer it today," he determinedly answered.

I was struck. We were here to have fun. He was here for a totally different reason. When Jacob stood on that platform, I prayed for my new friend. For Jacob this was not just a joy ride...or just maybe it was.

I'm not saying that God told Jacob to go to the top of a mountain and attach his body to a flimsy cable, and fly over the gorge at the risk of life and limb. But I am saying that obedience often requires a leap of faith. Too often we say yes to God, but live the no because of fear. We stand at the precipice of belief and a decision has to be made. Am I going to trust God or not? Am I going to attach my heart to the cable of His love and take a leap of faith, or am I going to freeze in fear because I don't trust that He has my best interest in mind? Am I going to settle for safety and miss the thrill of seeing God work through me?

As we live and move and have our being in Jesus, God will take us to some amazing places.  But there will always be a choice. Will we jump headlong into the adventurous journey of His perfect plan, or will we hang back because of lack of faith?

Jacob stood on the platform, took a deep breath, and jumped. He flew over the treetops, careened over the river, and landed safely on the other side of his greatest fear.

We clapped and cheered.  Jacob took a bow. God smiled.

(If you want to see a video clip of my crazy ride, log onto my Facebook page and take a look.)

Let's Pray
Father, I am so thankful that You always have my best interest in mind. Today, help me to have the courage to take a leap of faith if I need to. I trust You. I'm attaching my heart to the cable of Your love, and I'm going to jump!
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Can you think of a time when obeying God took a leap of faith?
What happened when you jumped?

Perhaps God is calling you to do something right now that requires a leap of faith.  What's holding you back?

Did this devotion bring something to mind that you've been putting off?  Is God calling you to take a leap of faith?  The first step might be to simply tell someone about it!  Log onto www.facebook.com/sharonjaynesand tell me about what leap God is prompting you to make.

More from the Girlfriends
It's finally here!Sharon, Gwen and Mary's new 12-week devotion book, Trusting God,is now available. This is the perfect book for individual study or for gathering a group of friends in what we call GiG Groups. With impactful devotions, study questions, journal pages, free on-line video intros, and an index of trust-building Scriptures...this book is a resource you'll refer to time-and-time again.



December 27, 2011
On Our Way Home
Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth         
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4-7).                                                 

Friend to Friend
Have you noticed how hard "re-entry" is?

One of my favorite movies is “Apollo 13” in which we first heard those famous words, “Houston, we have a problem,” an understatement, to say the least. The astronauts faced seemingly impossible odds of getting back to earth but refused to give up the fight until they splashed down in the waters of home.

Life is much the same. We are often thrust into a daily life of foreign and often frightening worlds, shaky circumstances, and impossible trials with no obvious way of escape. It seems like we will never get home and our world will never be right again.

I have discovered a truth that surfaces in my heart every Christmas holiday. We all come into this world with a sense of being lost. Tucked into the corner of our souls is a feeling of restlessness, a longing for home, for something eternal. That longing will never be satisfied outside of a relationship with God. God holds each today and every tomorrow in His hands. Nobody and nothing can fill the “God-shaped” hole in our hearts.

I have come to cherish that desperate heart cry that drives me to my knees and into the lap of my Father. Each and every time I come to Him, He whispers, "It will be all right. You are not home - yet."

I do not want this broken and torn world to be my final home, but merely a place I am passing through. While I am here, I have a God-sized job to do, an extraordinary mission to complete and a wonderful purpose to fulfill.  Is that awesome or what? Absolutely! But it is only the beginning of the eternity for which I was created. It doesn't get any better than that, my friends.

So as you dive into your hectic schedule, remember that one day, we will be home - with Him - but until then, let's celebrate here! Guard your hearts and mind by filling them with God’s Word. Hold fast to the true meaning of the season and don’t let go/ Look for ways to share the message of the manger, embracing that longing for home as a sweet reminder that one day we will celebrate His birth in Heaven. What a Christmas that will be!  And we are on our way home!

Let’s Pray                 
Oh God, I love You and am so thankful for the hope that eternity holds because I know You.  I am not alone, nor will I ever be. I will lack nothing because You are my Provider.  I can sing in the midst of the storm because You are sufficient. I praise You and long for Home.  But while I’m here, help me to be all that You created me to be.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen!

Now It’s Your Turn
Have you ever experienced loneliness or a sense of loss during or after the Christmas season? I encourage you to prepare for it beforehand. The best way to get ready for a difficult time is to stay ready for a difficult time.  In other words, now is the time to prepare your heart and mind for the holidays.

Make time each day to be alone with God.
Pour out your dreams and desperation to Him.
Read Psalm 23 once a day.
Invest at least 15 minutes in solitude each day, allowing your soul to “catch up.”
Make a list of the top five joy thieves in your life and make a plan to eliminate them. 
Prayerfully choose five verses of Scripture about peace.  Write these verses on a 3X5 card and carry it with you through the holidays, referring to it while you wait in line, while you are stuck in traffic, at every meal, etc.  Consider doing the same as a family project. 
After the holidays are over, evaluate the difference this preparation made in your holiday celebration.
More from the Girlfriends
A new year is just around the corner. Is one of your resolutions for 2012 to have a daily quiet time? Need help? Check out Mary’s Weekly Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. And be sure to get your copy of our new 12-week devotion book, Trusting God.