Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

August 28, 2008
Struggling with God
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that your faith, of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire, may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed" (1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV).

Friend to Friend
My son and I sat on the floor in his room playing Rummy. We had just a few minutes before rushing off to register for his summer swim class and wanted to get in one more round of play.  This summer was proving to be the best ever.  Our golden retriever, Ginger, had just delivered seven adorable puppies, Steven was enjoying his sixth summer of life, and after four years of the heartache of negative pregnancy tests, God had surprised us with a new life growing inside my womb. 

However, as Steven and I sat on the floor, I felt a warm sticky sensation run down my leg.  A trip to the bathroom confirmed my greatest fear.  Later that afternoon, our baby died, and is now waiting for us in heaven.

What began as a summer full of life and joy, quickly turned into a season of great loss and sadness.  I mourned for that child for which I had prayed and felt the ache of empty arms.  Someone once said, "I never knew I could miss someone that I had never met."  But, oh, how I missed her. We never knew for sure, but in my heart, I felt that the baby had been a little girl.

During those summer months, I went through the grieving process, step-by-step.  I'll admit that I was angry at God for "taunting" me with this gift of a child and then taking her away, but through the months and years that followed, God taught me many lessons about myself, about Him, and about trusting in His unfailing love.

I believe that when we go through a trial which wounds us deeply, God can use it to teach us valuable lessons.  Some of those lessons are a deeper understanding of who God is, who we are, and of what we truly believe.  Our faith grows in the Petri dish of struggles in the laboratory of life.  One of my most valuable lessons, through all my wounds and scars, was a decision to stop saying "why me" and to begin saying "what now."  However, the lesson that continues reverberating like a gentle thunder is the truth of God's unfailing love.

During the months that followed the loss of our child, I struggled with God.  Just as Jacob wrestled with God through his dark night of the soul, I wrestled with God as well. How could He love me and allow this to happen?  Why would God withhold my dream? Is He able? Is He kind? Is He there?

It was a dry summer...in my heart and soul. No one could help me, comfort me, or lift me out of my despair, and while I didn't want to talk to God, He never left my side.  Patiently, He waited for me to cry out to Him. to say, I will trust you even though I do not understand.  It is easy to trust God when life is skipping happily along.  It is a deeper faith that forms when the skipping halts to the slow crawl of despair.  Honestly, I never enjoy the struggle, but I do revel in the deeper understanding of God that is forged.

As Peter wrote, "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that your faith, of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire, may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed" (1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV).

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, sometimes things happen in my life that I just don't understand, but I know You hold the box top to the puzzle pieces, and You know how the picture of my life is going to turn out.  I trust You, Lord.  Though Your ways may twist and turn as through a maze, I know that You make no mistakes, You are never lost. You are good...all the time.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What has been a time in your life when you did not understand God's ways?

Can you trust God as Job did when his life fell apart?

What was the outcome of Job's incredible trial? (Job 42:10, 12)

More from the Girlfriends 
Sometimes things happen in our lives that we just don't understand, but rather than saying "why me," God wants us to say, "now what."  If you would like to find peace and purpose in the hurts of your past, see Your Scars are Beautiful by Sharon Jaynes.

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]

August 29, 2008
Change Happens!
Angela L. Craig   

Today's Truth
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)  "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."

Friend to Friend
Change happens. Right now as I am writing this devotional, the world is changing. My children are growing-up, I'm facing one of those birthdays with a zero at the end, and the price of gas has probably gone up five cents in the time it has taken me to write this first paragraph.

I am famous for holding on to the illusion that I have total control over my world, but the truth is - I don't. I have come to realize that whether it is by personal choice or by circumstance, change is inevitable in our lives. How about you?  What changes are you facing in your life? I imagine that for many of us, the changes we are facing are not as trivial as growing children and wrinkles. Uninvited change brings with it a river of emotions, doesn't it? The fear of failure, heart wrenching feelings of loss, obsession with the "what if" questions, and emotional instability are just a few of the things we experience.  My personal favorite is the fear that I will never get to the other side of change; that I will be stuck in transition forever.

Luckily for you and I, there is someone who is in control: God! The Bible teaches us that change is one thing in life that is guaranteed, but we don't have to fear because God is in control and He has plans to do good things! God just needs us to perceive it and believe it (Isaiah 43:18).

Although change is inevitable, there are four ways we can manage the transition with God's help.

1) Focus on today. Sometimes the big picture can be overwhelming and paralyzing. A very good friend of mine taught me that when I feel overwhelmed by the big picture, I should focus only on the very next thing and let God handle the rest. You will feel insurmountable peace when you practice this exercise.

2) Focus on others. When you serve others, it is impossible to think about yourself. And by the way, doing laundry and dishes does not count. Be the change in your community by volunteering one hour per week in an area of service you are passionate about. Doing good has been scientifically proven to heal, so go for it!

3) Incorporate exercise into your day. Add "sprint" (short duration) exercises to your day. For example, try doing 10 push-ups and 20 sit-ups before getting in the shower or pick up some weights during the commercials of your favorite T.V. show. Adding two or more sprint exercises to your day will increase your endorphin level and relieve stress.

4) Change the way you think about change. Instead of dreading change, embrace it.  Instead of thinking, "This change is completely freaking me out. I feel frightened for my future. What if this or that happens?"

Speak these words to yourself instead:  "God is my rock and my fortress (Psalm 1), He has a plan to prosper and not harm me (Jeremiah 29:11). I do not need to fear for God is with me (Isaiah 41:10). Nothing is too hard for my God (Jeremiah 32:17) I have great expectation for what God has in mind for my life and I can't wait to see His plan revealed!"

The secret: when you start matching your thoughts and words with God's thoughts and words you gain power and courage that you never thought existed!

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I need your strength and peace today as I face change. I pray Lord that you will help me keep my eyes on You. Lord, show me the steps I need to take towards the life You have designed for me. Help me to face change with courage and faith. I thank you Lord that Your plan is always for good!  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

What changes are you facing today? How are you managing them?
Pick from one of the four ways listed above to manage change.  Write your goal down on your calendar and take action!
Grab your Bible and make a new statement of faith about the change that is happening in your life. 
Pray that God will enable you to change the way you think about change. 
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]

August 30

Truth - in the Inner Parts
For reading & meditation - Psalm 51:1-19
"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts ..." (v. 6)

What do we do when we find ourselves assailed by honest doubts? Firstly, we must learn to distinguish between honest doubts and defensive doubts. Many of the doubts that trouble Christians concerning aspects of the Christian faith are made half-consciously into a screen to hide some moral weakness or failure. I am not denying that some people experience acute intellectual problems in relation to their faith, and it would be arrogant to suggest, or even hint, that everyone troubled by doubts is consciously or unconsciously using them as a screen. But because experience has shown that some do, this issue has to be faced. Ask yourself now: am I using my doubts as a "defense mechanism" to cover up some weakness or personal defect? A "defense mechanism" is a device employed by our minds to prevent us from facing up to reality. Adam used a defense mechanism when he blamed Eve for his sin. It is called projection - refusing to face up to personal responsibility, and projecting the blame onto someone else. Could it be that some of your doubts may be due to this? I am not suggesting, of course, that they are, but they could be. If you are willing to look at this issue objectively, or perhaps with the help of a wise and responsible Christian friend, then, I assure you, God will not withstand your plea. One hymnwriter said: Jesus the hindrance show, Which I have feared to see Yet let me now consent to know What keeps me out of Thee.
Prayer:

Gracious Father, You know how difficult it is for me to see myself as I really am. Help me to be honest with myself - even ruthlessly honest. For I want to be as honest as You. Help me in this hour of challenge. For Jesus' sake. Amen.

For Further Study
Gen. 3; 2 Cor. 2:11; 10:1-6; 11:3, 14
1. What was Satan's approach to Eve?
2. How could Eve have overcome his strategy?

[Judy Harder]

August 31


Dealing Positively with Doubt
For reading & meditation - Acts 17:1-15
"... they ... examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." (v. 11)

What do we do when we find ourselves assailed by honest doubt? Well, first we must recognize that doubts can be valuable if they motivate us to search deep and long for the answers. Perhaps it was this thought that led Samuel Coleridge to say, "Never be afraid of doubt ... if you have the disposition to believe." Unfortunately, there is very little sympathy given to those who doubt in most evangelical churches. Doubters are about as welcome in some congregations as a ham sandwich in a synagogue! It was because of the lack of concern shown in many churches toward those with honest doubts that two American missionaries, Francis and Edith Schaeffer, set up their ministry in a remote Swiss village. They established a center for those with doubts about their faith and called it L'Abri, which is French for "The Shelter." Hundreds made their way there over the years, and came back with their doubts resolved. Have you ever heard of Frank Morrison? He was an agnostic who, many years ago, set out to demonstrate the validity of his doubts about the resurrection of Christ. The more he looked into the facts, however, the more convinced he became that Christ actually did rise from the dead. He finished up writing a book entitled Who Moved the Stone?, which is one of the greatest evidences for the resurrection I have ever read. There are clear answers to all the doubts you may have concerning the Christian faith. Search for these answers, and the more you struggle, the stronger will be your faith.
Prayer:

Father, help me today to understand that all things can contribute to my faith, including my doubts. When I realize this, then I will go far. Thank You, Father. Amen.
For Further Study
Luke 12:29; Heb. 11:6; James 1:6-8
1. What did Jesus teach about doubt?
2. What causes doubt, and how should it be dealt with?

[Judy Harder]

September 1, 2008

Buddy Breathing

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

"All Scripture is God-breathed..."2 Timothy 2:16 NIV

Friend to Friend

When I was in my teens, I went scuba diving with some friends. I had no training and probably shouldn't have been in deep waters, but like I said, I was in my teens and threw caution to the wind. The young man who took me below the surface of the deep strapped an oxygen tank on his back, a mask of his face and flippers on his feet. I only had a mask and flippers.

"Where's my oxygen?" I asked.

"I've got it," he answered as he patted the tank on his back.

So into the ocean we jumped. He put his arm around my waist like I was a sack of potatoes and down we went. John drew oxygen from the tank and then passed the breathing apparatus to me. We took turns breathing in the oxygen in what he called "buddy breathing." It then occurred to me that I was totally dependent on this young boy to keep me alive!

This was not a very smart idea, but it did leave me with a great life lesson..."Buddy Breathing." Throughout my life, the words of my friends have been like oxygen when I feel I'm drowning. Even today, I have a mental scrapbook of the life-giving words passed along to me in the ocean of despair. God has sent friends my way who have strapped on the Word of God and passed the life-giving words to me when I've needed them most. Buddy breathing. That's what we can do for each other when a girlfriend forgets how to draw in the air she needs. That's what God does for us each time we open the pages of His Word.

When I was in high school, I traveled abroad to study with a group of students. Before I left, my group of Christian girlfriends gave me a gift. They had taken a large medicine bottle and filled it with a homemade remedy. Inside the medicine bottle were 100 Bible verses written on small strips of paper and rolled up like tiny scrolls. These verses were my medicine for when I got homesick. That gift of the heart was given to me over 30 years ago, and yet, I've carried it with me through high school, college, marriage and many, many moves. I have kept that bottle of love with me at each crossroad and bend in the road. That's the power of a woman's words to her friends. We never know how a small act of kindness will touch someone's heart for many years to come.

Let's Pray

Dear LORD, thank You for friends who help me breathe when I forget how. And please help me to be sensitive to my friends and recognize when they need a bit of encouragement along the way. Most of all, thank You for Your Word that breathes life into my soul everyday. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Now It's Your Turn

Can you think of a friend that helped you during a very difficult time of life?

Today, consider writing her a note of thanks, telling her specifically how she helped you.

Be on the lookout today for someone who needs a word of encouragement, especially a word from God's Word that will help them along their journey. It might even be a friend who would enjoy Girlfriend in God devotions!

More from the Girlfriends
We all need a bit of encouragement every now and then. Today, consider passing Girlfriends in God along to a few of your girlfriends who could use a daily dose of God's Word and some honest reflection from gals just like you! While you're at it, if you'd like to listen to a word of encouragement, log onto Sharon 's daily radio feature at www.extraordinarymomentswithgod.org.   

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]

September 2, 2008

How Much Does a Miracle Cost?

Mary Southerland

Today's truth

Hebrews 11:6 Without faith no one can please God. Anyone who comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who truly want to find him. (NCV)

Friend to Friend

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet. She poured all the change out on the floor and carefully counted it three times, just to be sure. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes. Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and walked the six blocks to the local drug store with the big Red Indian Chief sign above the door.

The little girl walked in, heading for the pharmacy. She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention but he was too busy talking with another man. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally, she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!

"And what do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. "I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages," he said without waiting for a reply to his question.

"Well, I want to talk to you about my brother," Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. "He's really, really sick... and I want to buy a miracle." "I beg your pardon?" said the pharmacist. The little girl replied, "His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?"

"We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you," the pharmacist said in a slightly softer voice. She persisted, "Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs."

The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, "What kind of a miracle does your brother need?" "I don't know," Tess replied with her eyes welling up. "I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money".

"How much money do you have?" asked the man from Chicago . "One dollar and eleven cents," Tess answered barely audibly. "And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to." "Well, what a coincidence," smiled the man. "One dollar and eleven cents is the exact price of a miracle for little brothers." He took her money in one hand and grasped the other mitten covered hand, saying, "Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the kind of miracle you need."

That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, surgeon, specializing in neurosurgery. The operation was completed without charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place. The mother said, "That surgery was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost." Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle costs - one dollar and eleven cents - plus the faith of a little child.

My friend, do not be afraid to ask your miracle working God to work a miracle in your life today. Remember that in God's economy, a miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law.

Let's pray

Lord, I want to be a woman of faith who lives each day, expecting a miracle from Your hand. Give me an attitude of anticipation and an obedient heart that is willing to step out in faith, asking and believing that a miracle is on its way. Help me remember to measure every supernatural work against the truth of the Bible. Help me to celebrate the "small" miracles as well as the "big" ones. I praise You for Your presence and power in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Now it's your turn

How would you define faith?

Read the following verse and adjust your definition accordingly:

Hebrews 11:1 What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see. (NLT)

Are you willing to trust God completely and walk in faith? Read and memorize Proverbs 3:5-6 as a new life verse.

More from the Girlfriends

The thought of stepping into the unknown is a bit scary, isn't it? We may not know what tomorrow holds, but as the old song says, we "know Who holds tomorrow". What peace and joy are wrapped up in the truth that no matter where we have been, no matter where we are, no matter where we are headed...it is not a surprise to God and, in fact, He has already been there! Don't be afraid, my friend. Take that first step of faith and He will meet you there!

Need help? You need Mary's book, "Experiencing God's Power in Your Ministry". I know...you are not a minister or even married to one. Wait! This book is for every woman who serves God, whether it is on a church staff, in her home as a wife and mother or outside the home in a corporate office. Check it out! 

[Judy Harder]

September 3, 2008
The Stinky Sour Sippy
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life." (2 Corinthians 2:14-16a, NIV)

Friend to Friend
I recently flew to Nashville to record vocals for an upcoming CD project. My girlfriend, Kerri, and I had spent the last day of my trip in a studio, recording background vocals.  When we were finished, I had to high tail it to the airport in order to catch my flight home.

Kerri, a young mom, enthusiastically offered to take me to the airport, and I gladly accepted. I'm all about spending time with my friends and catching up on life!)  As we made our way out to the car, Kerri apologetically mentioned that her daughter had dropped a milk sippy in her car the day before, and that she hadn't been able to locate it. 

"I will be more than happy to take you to the airport, Gwen," she said, "but there's just no telling what my car is going to smell like!"

"No problem!" I said.  "I'm a mom!  I've dealt with many-a-missing milk sippy in my day.  How bad can it be?"

Did I mention that it was one of those "you can fry an egg on the sidewalk," dog days of August?  Yep.  It was! You know where this is going, don't you?

As we opened the car doors, Kerri and I were smacked silly with the stinky smell of sour milk.  Not just a subtle smell, mind you -- but a dominant, "been sitting in the 100 degree weather all day" smell.  It reeked something fierce!  We laughed until we almost cried at how horrible it smelled as we made our way down the expressway to the airport. 

Sounds kind of funny, but smells matter.  Some smells, like a stinky, sour milk sippy, are offensive.  They make you want to escape their presence.  While other smells, like fresh baked bread, or a lotioned-up baby, can be greatly pleasurable and inviting.  Which type of smell best represents your presence and persona?

We need to remember that our attitudes and conversations give off a smell as well. The apostle Paul said, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life" (2 Corinthians 2:14-16a, emphasis mine).

Does your attitude give off an aroma of Christ?  Are those around you drawn to Him as a result of the love and peace you display? Do your conversations consistently honor God, embody the fruit of the Spirit, and expel the fragrance of life...or are they sometimes laced with bitterness, resentment, anger, complaining, and gossip?  It's time to locate and throw away our stinky, sour sippy attitudes, and ask the Lord to renew our minds.  Let's run the race before us as women of honor who, through the power of the Holy Spirit, give off an aroma of Christ.

Let's Pray
Holy Father, please forgive me for all of the times I've allowed sinful behavior to creep into my thoughts and conversations.  I ask that you will now, "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
Read, write down, and commit to memory the following verse: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV).

Spend some time in prayer right now.  Ask God to reveal to you any areas in your life that might not "smell" as they should.  Then talk to a trusted friend about what He brings to your heart, and ask her to pray for you and hold you accountable.

More from the Girlfriends
As I'm finishing up this devotion, I've got a pot of fresh coffee brewing.  Oh how I love the smell of my dark roast!  :-) It's important to understand that when we put love in, we will live love out.  Spend some time in God's Word today.  I have a GiG challenge for you: for the next 31 days, read one chapter of Proverbs per day and ask God to speak to your heart through His Word. And as you are in your home and about town in your car, play some worship music!!  Why wait?  Listen to some now!!  Turn up your speakers and CLICK HERE to worship with me.

Gwen Smith is a worship artist, songwriter, speaker, and author. For more information, visit her website at: www.GwenSmith.net.

[Judy Harder]

September 4, 2008
An Incredible Gift
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 NIV

Friend to Friend
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). When God created the world, stocked the seas with marine life and the skies with winged creatures -- when he caused the stars to ignite the night sky and placed the sun to light the day and the moon to illumine the darkness -- He did so with words. "And God said, 'Let there be light.'" "And God said, 'Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water." "And God said, 'Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.'" "And God said, 'Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night...'" "And God said, 'Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.'" "And God said, 'Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds...'" "And God said, Let us make man in our own image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.'" .... "And it was so." God spoke and what was not - became what is. When God created the heavens and the earth, He used a mighty force -- words. "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth" (Psalm 33:6).

Amazingly, when God created mankind in His own image, He gave us that same powerful tool. He didn't entrust words to zebra's, birds, monkeys, elephants, lizards, or horses. He entrusted words to mere mortals. Our words also have creative potential. They can create a smile on a discouraged child's face, lighten the heart of a husband loaded down with burdens, fan into a flame the dying embers of a friend's smoldering dreams, cheer brothers and sisters in Christ to run the race with endurance, and bring the message of hope and healing of Jesus Christ to a wounded world. Words are one of the most powerful forces in the universe and amazingly, God has entrusted them to you and me.

The question is, how will we use this incredible gift from God? Will we use them to bring life or death? Encouragement or discouragement? Today, let's pay particular attention to the words we speak and use our words to speak life into the people in our little part of the world today.

Let's Pray
Dear Father, I am amazed that You have entrusted us with such a powerful tool...words. May we use our words to bless and not to curse, to build up and not to tear down, to heal and not to hurt. By the power of the Holy Spirit, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart by pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read the following verses and fill in the blanks:

Genesis 1:3 And _______ _______, "Let there be light," and there was light.

Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed ___ _________ ______________so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Psalm 33:6 By the ______________________ were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

What did you discover about the power of God's words?

Now, on a similar note, what can you surmise about the power of your own words?

Throughout the day, ask yourself this question: Did my words build up or tear down?

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion is taken from the introduction of Sharon's book, The Power of a Woman's Words and The Power of a Woman's Words Bible Study. There is great power in the words we speak and the people we impact. If you would like to learn more about how to use your words to speak life into others, this book will be a great resource. Why not get a group of girlfriends and learn about The Power of a Woman's Words together!

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]

September 5, 2008
Crumbs of Time
Pam Farrel

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

Today's Truth
"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil."  Ephesians 5:15-16 (NASB)

Friend to Friend
The more you have to give, the more people will want from you: There will be new responsibilities and new relationships but no new time.  At times, you may feel badly about the slivers of time you can give friends, old and new. You might feel pressed to give a short answer to a long problem. It's all right. Jesus knows exactly how you feel. But look at what was accomplished in a few brief moments with Jesus:

Matthew 8:5-13 "When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help."Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering." Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him."

The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed ... When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said, "I tell you the truth; I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.  Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.

Matthew 15:22-28 "A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession."  He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."
   
The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said.

He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."

"Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."
     
Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

When you are pressed, pray your crumbs of time will be sanctified and empowered from on high--and they will make a difference.

I have been married to a very busy leader husband all my life. I used to complain about all the time he spent giving to others. Then one day, God reminded me of this story above and I realized that the crumbs of time I had with my husband were of such quality (because he was a quality man) that those minutes were maximized in God's hands. That day, I made a commitment to quit complaining and began to enjoy the time I had with him--and guess what? It did feel like I had plenty of time with my beloved husband because my attitude changed and that made the time we had much more enjoyable!

Let's Pray
Father, please multiply my time. Make every moment count for you and please let your power stretch the impact and influence of the time I give to others. Amen

Now It is Your Turn
I once heard that worry is a lot like a rocking chair, it is something to do while you are waiting but it doesn't get you anywhere. Instead of worrying about the time you do not have, try one of these activities below instead: 

Are you spending your time worrying about how much time you are giving to your children, your husband, your family or friends? Today, instead of worrying about the quantity of time, pray about how to maximize the quality of time you have to give to those people. How can you build into their lives today? Send an encouraging email to text, leave a voicemail, or drop a card in the mail to prepare their heart for when you do have time with him or her.
Have you been nagging, fuming or complaining to your husband, or your children about how little time you are getting with them? Instead of complaining, try complimenting that person and see if it changes the atmosphere of the relationship so that person might then on their own create more time with you. If time with you is something to look forward to, people will eventually MAKE time to be with you. Instead of counting the minutes, count the blessings of having that person in your life. Then tell that person how much you love them--no strings attached.
More from the Girls
Sometimes it is hard to keep the need for time with your loved ones in perspective, or learn creative ways to maximize the time you have or make more time for those you love. Bill and Pam Farrel offer key relationship advice in their books, 10 Best Decisions a Couple Can Make, 10 Best Decisions a Parent Can Make, and 10 Best Decisions a Woman Can Make . More relationship tips are available at www.farrelcommunications.com.

[Judy Harder]

September 8, 2008
Put a lid on It
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark." (James 3:5 NIV) 

Friend to Friend
From the time I could hold a crayon in my chubby little hand, I've enjoyed creating various "works of art."  For my family and friends, my latest endeavors usually found their way under the Christmas tree and into their hands.  One year it was woven macramé hanging plant holders.  Another it was a menagerie of decoupage wooden boxes.  Then there were the years of framed cross-stitch, ceramic nativity sets and quilted pig and chicken pillows.

When I was seventeen, it was the year of the candle.  Everyone from Grandma Edwards to my best friends at school received praying hands candles.  For weeks I slaved over a hot stove, stirring melted wax, meticulously centering ten inch wicks, then slowly pouring the red, green, or yellow molten material into inverted molds in the shape of praying hands.  When the wax hardened, I burped the rubber mold and plopped out the candle.  My kitchen looked like a prostheses laboratory with hands littering the counters.

I was cooking up a fresh batch of hands when the doorbell rang.  "Oh, my word!"  I cried as I glanced at the clock on the oven. "I've lost track of time.  Jim's here!"

I was having so much fun waxing and wicking that I forgot the time.  I had a date at 7:30 and here I was in pink hot curlers and a paraffin covered sweatshirt.   I rushed through the kitchen, leapt over my dad who had fallen asleep on the den floor in front of the television, and threw open the door.

"Hi Jim," I huffed.  "Come on in.  I'm not ready."

"So I noticed," he said with a grin.

"I was cooking candles and lost track of time," I explained.

"You were what?" he questioned.

"Never mind," I continued.  "Just come on in and have a seat on the couch.  I'll be ready in a minute." 

I dashed to the bedroom to run a brush through my hair, swipe mascara through my lashes, and apply a hint of gloss on my lips.  Jim sat uncomfortably on the sofa, listening to my father snore to the bantering of Jackie Gleason and Ralph Cramden.  After about fifteen minutes, Jim smelled something burning.  He didn't want to yell for me for fear of waking up my dad, so he tiptoed into the kitchen and discovered a pot sitting on the stove with flames shooting up about eighteen inches in the air.

Sleeping dad or no sleeping dad, Jim called out.  "Sharon!  Whatever you were cooking is on fire!"

"Oh my goodness," I exclaimed.  "I forgot to turn the stove off."

Just as I burst into the kitchen, Jim threw a cup of water into the flaming wax.  Rather than extinguish the flames, the fire exploded upward.  The flames shot up the wall, over the ceiling and down the wall on the other side of the room.  Our screams woke my father to see his daughter standing in a room surrounded by flames.  With the agility of Superman, Dad sprang to his feet, ran to the kitchen faster than a speeding bullet, grabbed the lid of the pot and clamped it down on the source of the flames.  Just as quickly as the fire had erupted, it receded back into the pot like a Genie returning to his bottle.

This all happened in a matter of seconds. We stood in the middle of the room like three stunned deer.  I never did tell my dad that it was Jim who threw the water on the burning wax.  Teenage boys already have two strikes against them when they walk through the threshold to pick up a man's baby girl. 

After the shock of the incident wore off, I had time to reflect on the incident: the speed at which the flames engulfed the room, the feeling of fire licking against my skin, the terrifying sound of the blaze.  It made me think about my words and how easily they can explode and singe those around me.  I saw and understood the destructive power of our words and the speed at which that destruction can spread.  But you know what I also learned?  I learned just how easy it is to stop the blaze: put a lid on it.  As soon as my father placed a lid on the pot and removed the flame's source of oxygen, the flame abated.  I think Job had the right idea when he said, "I will put my hand over my mouth" (Job 40:4).  It is interesting to me that my hand fits perfectly over my mouth.  Give it a try.  How about you?  Is your hand ample to cover that spark shooting orifice?  Perhaps that was God's intentional design! 

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, help my words be pleasing in Your sight today.  Help me to use my words to build up rather than tear down, to encourage rather than discourage, and to help rather than hurt.  And Lord, if I get ready to say something that is neither kind nor necessary, help me to put a lid on it.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Now It's Your Turn
When is the last time you said something you wish you hadn't?
What effect did it have on the person to whom you said it?
What effect did it have on your own heart?  Did you feel remorseful after you said it?
What would have been the outcome if you had just kept that thought to yourself?
Let's memorize Psalm 19:14 together: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

More from the Girlfriends
We have great power in the words that we speak.  If you would like to learn more about how to control that mighty force - the tongue, and use your words to bless others, see Sharon's book The Power of a Woman's Words and The Power of a Woman's Words Bible Study Guide.

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Girlfriends in God
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