Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

March 19, 2013

The Battle for Balance

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

"Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly" (Psalm 5:3, nlt).

Friend to Friend

The reality for each one of us is that every moment of every day is focused on someone or something. We either set the focus through which we live and view life or we allow it to be set for us. A balanced life is focused on God as a result of sitting at His feet.

What does it mean to "sit at the feet of Jesus"? First of all, we have to stop. Now that is a novel idea for many of us. Mary stopped what she was doing—helping Martha in the kitchen—to come and sit at the feet of Jesus. Of course, Martha immediately began complaining that she had been left to do all of the work while her sister was wasting time. Listen, my friend, there will always be someone who will misunderstand or complain when you choose to do what Jesus told Martha was "the better part" (Luke 10:42).

But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:40-42).

Notice the word "chosen" used in this passage. Mary made a choice, and so must we. Making a choice to sit at the feet of Jesus requires decisive planning, purposeful scheduling, and willful determination. God wants relationship-building time with us every day, which means time at His feet, in His presence, must be our highest priority. It is absolutely amazing to me how I can squander away the best part of my day, leaving Him with the leftovers and scraps of time, and then have the audacity to complain that my life is void of power and purpose. Distractions come from every side. Some of those distractions are good and wonderful things, but they are all still wrong things if they keep us from spending time with God.

Jesus gently rebuked Martha because she had forgotten what was really important. Oswald Chambers writes, "We can choke God's Word with a yawn; we can hinder the time that should be spent with God by remembering we have other things to do. 'I haven't time!' Of course you have time! Take time, strangle some other interests, and make time to realize that the center of power in your life is the Lord Jesus Christ."

Every day you and I choose where we will invest our time. We plan and schedule everything from hair appointments to lunch with friends, but we sometimes fail to schedule the most eternal activity in this life, spending time with God. Do you need the power to live your life above your circumstances? Are you desperate for the peace and balance only He can bring? Do you long for a relationship that will energize you to carry the burdens and passions of this life? Then it is time to take inventory of the demands upon your time and begin sitting at His feet.

Being wrapped up in God's work can easily become a shabby substitute for being wrapped up in His presence. The paradox is that we can only be wrapped up in God's presence when we stop and learn how to wait on Him. While I absolutely hate to wait on anyone or for anything, I am learning that there is a divine purpose and sacred power made available to us in every waiting room of life. Waiting robs me of control. I am forced to face the unknown. Waiting on God may well provide the catalyst that will change my very life course. In each waiting room, He is at work preparing me for the circumstance and the circumstance for me. "Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly" (Psalm 5:3 nlt). From those still, quiet moments of waiting and seeking comes a sacred balance that takes root and grows. It is through the choice to wait on God that a seeking heart finds every need met and light in the darkness.

We not only must stop and be still in order to sit at the feet of Jesus, we must learn to listen. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 instructs us with these words: "Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life." I know that many voices clamor for our attention. The key to a balanced life is to train our hearts toward God and teach our spiritual ears to listen for His voice above all the others.

I taught third grade for several years while Dan attended Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. I was fortunate to be assigned to one of the largest and best elementary schools in town. My class was one of seven third-grade classes in the school, which meant that the first few days of school were always chaotic. The PE teacher was a welcome sight when she appeared at my door to take the students out to the playground. After PE, it was the responsibility of each teacher to pick up her students. Seven teachers trying to get the attention of over 200 students was especially interesting on the first or second day of school when the teachers did not know their students and the students did not know their teachers. However, after only a few days, an amazing thing happened every year. When we lined up to gather our children, it took only a word or two for them to come running. They quickly learned to recognize the voice of their new teacher above all the rest because they listened to her voice all day long in the classroom. We must do the same. In every circumstance and situation, we need to listen for His voice.

Sitting at the feet of Jesus resets our life focus. It is in those moments when we have stopped long enough to hear Him speak that the battle for balance is won. It is after we have been still before Him that we are empowered to embrace a life of balance

Let's Pray

Father, help me learn to cherish and make time to simply sit at Your feet and be in Your presence. At the same time, Lord, show me how to live a life of integrity in which I am a woman of my word. Teach me how to discipline my steps and invest my time in a way that pleases You and honors the plan You have for my life. Only You can bring a holy balance to my life as I surrender my agenda and every priority to Your perfect plan. I do that right now.

In Jesus's name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

I encourage you to set aside time this week to spend in solitude. Examine your life in the light of balance. What priorities are obvious? What areas are out of balance? How has this imbalance affected your life? What changes do you need to make in order to live a balanced life of purpose? Record the answers to these questions in our journal.

More from the Girlfriends

Since each lesson stands alone, it is not too late to join Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey, for practical ways to tap into the power of God's Word. When you join, you have access to all of the 2013 lessons. The current study is Power Up With Proverbs.

Need help balancing your life? Check out Mary's E-Bible Study, Time: Friend or Foe.And be sure to connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

March 20, 2013

Sit Down and Be Quiet

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

"Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.  He did the same with the fish," (John 6:11 NIV).

Friend to Friend

Have you ever noticed this pattern in the gospels – the disciples get in a bind and Jesus bails them out.  It reminds me of the old fifties program, Father Knows Best.  The kids got in trouble, the father solved the problem and then he taught us all an important life lesson at the end.  Come to think of it, "Father Knows Best" would be a fabulous subtitle for the gospels!

In John 6:1-15  we find the disciples in a precarious situation.  Their lawn party had turned into quite a bash.  The guests far exceeded their expectations, the disciples hadn't planned on providing dinner, and it appeared the crowd was expecting refreshments.  But the disciples didn't have the funds or the food to feed them.  All they could scrounge up were five loaves of bread and two dried fish.  The crowd was getting restless, the disciples were getting nervous,  and Jesus was getting ready.  He took the five loaves and two fish and told the crowd to sit down – he told them to rest.

Then He lifted the food toward heaven, blessed it, and commanded the disciples to hand out the provisions to those who were seated. He didn't feed the people who were running around worrying – but the ones who were at rest.  To those He gave "immeasurably more than they could ask or imagine" (see Ephesians 3:20 , with twelve baskets left over.

When we believe God, we will have rest and peace in our lives.  I want you to do something for me.  Right now, I want you to use your imagination.  The Bible tells us in Ephesians that we are "in Christ" and Christ is "in us."  It also tells us that we are seated "in heavenly places" and "transferred to the kingdom of Christ."  Picture yourself sitting right beside Jesus under a spreading oak tree.  Perhaps His arm is around your shoulder and your head is resting on his chest.  You can feel the beating of His heart against your cheek and your head moves with the rise and fall of His breathing. With His other hand, He strokes your head and immediately knows how many hairs are on your head. His breath warms your skin as it brushes past your face. Imagine Him looking into your eyes and knowing your innermost being and meeting your gaze with a warm, affirming smile reassuring you of His love and care.

Now tell me, as you imagine yourself in the presence of Jesus, how anxious do you feel?  How rejected do you feel?  How worried about tomorrow are you?

You may be thinking,  "Yes, Sharon.  I feel at peace in that scene.  But that's not reality."  Dear sister, that is the greater reality.  No matter what you are going through today, Jesus is right there with you.  So maybe you just need to sit down and be quiet for a while.

Let's Pray
Dear Father, I'll admit, sometimes I am so busy running around trying to solve my problems, I miss Your provision. Help me to listen to You more closely and see Your provision more clearly.  I don't want to miss what You have for me today. Help me to sit down and be quiet – to rest in You.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Is it difficult for you to sit down and be quiet with Jesus?

What keeps you from taking time to be still before Him?

Today, take at least ten minutes to be still with Jesus.  No multi-tasking.  Don't do this while driving the car or washing the dishes. Just you and Jesus. Give Him your full attention.

If you did this today, I want to celebrate with you.  Log onto my blog page at www.sharonjaynes.com and tell me about it!

More from the Girlfriends
Women love the idea of going to a spa!  I'd like to invite you to God's spa to experience the ultimate makeover.   In Sharon's book, Becoming Spiritually Beautiful, you'll discover beauty secrets to give you the inner glow that only God can give.  It also comes with a Bible study guide for those who want to dig deeper into God's transforming truths.

[Judy Harder]

Time to Let Go

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

"There is no God like you. You forgive those who are guilty of sin; you don't look at the sins of your people who are left alive. You will not stay angry forever, because you enjoy being kind. You will have mercy on us again; you will conquer our sins. You will throw away all our sins into the deepest part of the sea" (Micah 7:18-19, ncv).

Friend to Friend

A little boy and his mom had gone shopping at the mall. The little boy had acted very badly, whining, wanting everything he saw, and running away from his mother.

As they were driving home he could tell his mom was very angry. He looked over at her and said, "When we are bad and we ask God to forgive us, He does, doesn't He?" His mom glanced at him and replied, "Yes, He does." "And when He forgives us He buries our sins in the deepest sea, doesn't he?" The mom answered, "Yes, that is what the Bible teaches." The little boy sat in silence for a while, and then he said, "I've asked God to forgive me. But I bet when we get home, you're going to go fishing for those sins, aren't you?"

Part of true forgiveness is releasing the hurt, letting go of the pain. When we don't, it becomes a constant spiritual and emotional drain, robbing us of joy, peace...even light. To experience the power of forgiveness, we have to quit fishing in the emotional waters of our past.

I love superglue and use it for just about everything. One day, I was trying to repair a miniature tea set, reached for my trusty superglue and went to work. I glued the broken saucer and held it in place for 30 seconds, only to discover that I had glued my finger to the saucer. After several painful minutes of struggling to work my finger loose, I was free. The experience reminded me of forgiveness. When we refuse to release people from the hurt they have caused us, we are gluing them to their mistakes. When we cling to pain they have caused us, we are refusing to see them as more than something that they have done.

Psalm 103:12 reminds us that "He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west"(nlt).When we accept the forgiveness of God, He separates us from our sins. Then He calls us to do the same with the people in our lives. Nowhere does God say that we have to feel like forgiving. He just commands us to forgive. Our feelings are irrelevant. Our obedience is what matters.

Forgiveness is an independent act between God and us. It is totally separate from the response or reaction of the person we are forgiving. We are not responsible for their reaction; that responsibility belongs to them and to God. Our responsibility is to forgive. When we refuse to forgive, we not only harm ourselves, we become a hindrance to God working in their lives. "Now it is time to forgive him and comfort him. Otherwise he may become so discouraged that he won't be able to recover" (2 Corinthians 2:7 nlt).

Anytime that we impede the work of God we are in a dangerous position. It is time to let go of the hurt. It is time to forgive.

Let's Pray

Father, I am so tired of holding on to the pain in my life. I want to forgive those who have hurt me and learn how to let go of the pain and walk on. Today, I lay down my pride and my rights. I will not seek revenge or retaliation. Instead, I choose to love my enemies and bless those who have harmed me. Please give me the strength and power to honor you as I step out in obedience.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Read and meditate on the following verses:

Matthew 5:23-24 (NLT) "So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you ... leave your sacrifice there beside the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God."

Make a list of the sins in your life that need the forgiveness of God. Ask God to forgive you for each one. If you have sinned against someone else, be willing to take the first step of reconciliation. If someone has sinned against you, forgive them and go to them in love, seeking restoration. Consider the following questions and answer them honestly.

What are the rewards of forgiveness?

What are the barriers to forgiveness in my heart?

What are the things for which I cannot forgive myself?

What does that indicate about my understanding of true forgiveness?

More from the Girlfriends

Since each lesson stands alone, it is not too late to join Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey, for practical ways to tap into the power of God's Word. When you join, you have access to all of the 2013 lessons. The current study is Power Up With Proverbs.

[Judy Harder]

I Need Rest!

Gwen Smith

Today's Truth

"The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place" (Mark 6:30-32, NIV).

Friend to Friend

I spin plates. Not real plates. Metaphorical plates. I spin lots of plates at the same time and I multi-task. This is both a blessing and a curse in my life. Sometimes my attention is divided in too many directions, leaving me harried ... while at other times, I'm energized by the amount of things I can get done in a small window of time.  Regardless, there just never seems to be enough hours in the day to get things done or enough hours in the night to give me complete rest. Can I get a witness?

Being a plate-spinning mom is a challenge. When my kids want me, they don't like to wait for me to spin three more plates before I answer them or give them my attention. When my daughter Kennedy was a toddler, she figured out a way to stop me mid-task, no matter what I was doing. She would place her chubby little hands on my cheeks, look me in the eye, and demand my full attention. Then she would deliver her message or question to me. I became her captive audience.

Just like Kennedy used to seek my attention, the Spirit of the Lord often speaks a similar message to my heart: Don't forget about me, Gwen! I know you have a lot going on, but your attention should be mine. I love you. Come sit with me a while.

Life is busy. Each day we have activities, tasks, relationships, and distractions that vie for our time and attention. If we aren't careful and deliberate, our relationship with God can suffer. The Lord doesn't want to be an after-thought and He doesn't want to be penciled in to our schedules. He wants us to prioritize Him. Focus our hearts on Him. Worship Him. Be with Him. Be still before Him. Rest in Him.

What are your priorities? Where does God fit into your schedule? How vital is it to you that you spend one-on-one time with God each day? Are you experiencing the supernatural rest that's found in His presence?

In Mark 6:30-32  we learn that Jesus and His apostles had been busy working for their heavenly Father. In fact, they had worked with such vigor that they hadn't even gotten a decent meal in their belly. (Boy, do I know what that's like... and I bet you do too!) In response, Jesus invited them to get away with Him so they could find some rest and rejuvenation in His presence. He said, Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. (Mark 6:31, NIV) That same invitation is extended to you and me.

God wants you to pause the plate spinning and be His captive audience in this very moment. He wants you to go with Him to a quiet place: to be still, to gaze into His eyes, to worship Him in Spirit and in truth, to be lost in His glory, and found by His grace - to find rest.

I'd like you to close your eyes and imagine His strong yet gentle hands reaching for your cheeks, lifting your chin, and drawing your eyes to His. Fix your soul-gaze on His beautiful, blazing, mercy-filled eyes. Give the Lord your full attention. He will be your rest.

Let's Pray

Heavenly Father, please forgive me for all of the times I fail to give You my attention. I shake my head at the very thought that You want to lock gazes with someone like me, yet Scripture clearly tells me that You desire to be sought after and found by me.  I'm here.  You have my full attention, please speak to my heart and help me to be Your captive audience throughout today and everyday.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

·         I co-wrote a song called "Sacred Place" that is purposed to lead you to His presence.  Please take a moment to listen to "Sacred Place" and personally respond to Him. CLICK HERE to listen to the song on my facebook page.

Find a solitary place, grab your Bible and read Psalm 103.
Write down your favorite verses from that chapter and journal about what they teach you.
Where does this find you today? I'd love to hear about it. Swing over to my blog and give me scoop.
More from the Girlfriends

Do you know that rest, the rest that comes from the heart of God and permeates every fiber of who you are...no matter what you are facing?  God desires for you to know His rest, for you to experience the fullness of His love and His peace. If your soul is in turmoil, lift your gaze to the Father.  Seek His heart. He will meet you at your need and sustain you one day at a time. Spend some sacred quiet time with Him today.

Gwen's song "Sacred Place" is featured on her live worship CD, Unsearchable, which is available on iTunes, Amazon and on Gwen's website.

Portions of today's devotion are found in my book, Broken Into Beautiful. My full testimony is featured the book, Broken into Beautiful, along with Scriptural truths and stories of how God has brought rest and restoration the hearts of many other women who had painful life wounds. God delights to transform lives ... including your own. Experience God's healing and hope in your life today as you read Broken Into Beautiful! To order the book, go to Amazon or, for a signed copy, visit the store on my website: www.gwensmith.net.

[Judy Harder]

Do You Feel Battered and Bruised?

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV).

Friend to Friend

The speaker came out onto the stage. He pulled out a one-hundred dollar bill.

"Who would like this one-hundred dollar bill?" he asked.

Hands shot up all around the room.

Then he crumpled the paper, threw it on the floor and ground the dirt into it with his foot.  Holding up the dirty, crumpled and tattered money, he then asked, "Now, who wants this one-hundred dollar bill?"

The same hands went into the air.

"And that is why God still wants you," he continued. "You may be battered and bruised. You may be tattered and torn. You may be crumpled and creased. But that does not change your value to God any more than what I have done changes the value of this one-hundred dollar bill.  You are still precious and valuable to the God who chose you, redeemed you, and loves you as His own."

"He knows how we are formed; he remembers that we are dust" (Psalm 103:14). God understands that we are fatally flawed creatures, yet deems us immeasurably valuable no matter how crumpled and soiled we are.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Corinthians 4:7). In Paul's day, it was customary to store treasure in clay jars. The common container disguised its contents and didn't draw attention to the treasure within. You and I might not look like much on the outside. We may appear as common as jars of clay, but inside are hidden incredible treasures. Inside these old cracked pots reside the most incredible treasure of all...Jesus Christ. And that makes us valuable.

In Louisa May Alcott's book, Little Women, she includes a conversation from Mrs. March to her three girls, Meg, Jo, and Amy. "I only care what you think of yourself. If you feel your value lies in being merely decorative, I fear that someday you might find yourself believing that's all you really are. Time erodes all such beauty. But what it cannot diminish is the wonderful workings of your mind – your humor, your kindness, and your moral courage. These are things I so cherish in you."

Our culture places an ungodly amount of significance on a woman's appearance. Outward trappings of appearance are simply that - trappings. But God sees us as simple jars of clay containing valuable treasure...and that makes us beautiful to Him.

Let's Pray

Dear Lord, even though I am battered and bruised, I know that I am still valuable to You. Thank You for loving me so much that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to die for my sins. Thank You for making a way for me to have eternal life through Jesus' sacrifice. Thank You for seeing me as Your priceless treasure.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Don't you love the teacher's illustration of the crumpled dollar bill? Today, consider using that illustration with a friend or a child who feels knocked down by life.

Did the illustration touch you in a particular way? If so, I'd love to hear about it. You can share your thoughts on my blog page at www.sharonjaynes.com. I'm going to randomly pick 5 commenters and give away a compact mirror with 2 Corinthians 5:17 imprinted on the cover.

More from the Girlfriends

Today's devotion was taken from my book, I'm Not Good Enough and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves. If you feel battered and bruised by life, if you have been believing lies that you are worthless, then join me in learning to see yourself as God sees you – a chosen, valuable, dearly loved child of the King.

[Judy Harder]

March 26, 2013

Encouragement 101

Part 1

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ"(Colossians 2:2, NIV).

Friend to Friend

Every day we cross paths with hurting people. A word of encouragement, an act of kindness, a caring smile may be enough to keep them on their feet. We want to be encouragers but may not know where to start. Over the next two days, we will explore seven ways you and I can practice encouragement and build each other up in everyday life.

Listen to Those Who Are Hurting

"You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry" (Psalm 10:17). Sometimes the best encouragement is simply a listening heart. Listening doesn't require that we fix anything or even that we arrive at a solution. Listening sends the message "I'm here for you. Just for you. I want to understand and share your pain." We often miss opportunities to give encouragement because we are broadcasting when we should be listening.

I once had an elderly neighbor who loved to talk...a lot. I knew when I ran into her it meant my routine would be interrupted. One day I was out walking when I turned the corner and there she was. I knew I could breeze by her with some lame excuse, but in a rare moment of wisdom, I chose to stop and listen.

I am so glad I did. Her 42-year-old son had just died, and she desperately needed my encouragement.

When we listen to people, we validate their feelings. We invite them into our lives by giving them the most precious gift we have—time. Listening is encouragement.

Comfort with Your Words

"But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief" (Job 16:5). The spoken word is powerful, and spoken words of encouragement can bring great comfort. The idea is not to speak many words, but the right words. Consider this:

·         The Lord's Prayer contains 71 words.

·         The Gettysburg Address contains 272 words.

·         The Ten Commandments contains 139 words.

·         The Declaration of Independence contains 1323 words.

·         A U.S. government order setting the price of cabbage contains 26,911 words.

When it comes to words with impact, being long-winded is not a value. But speaking the right words can be life changing.

Written notes of encouragement often carry even greater impact because they can be kept and read again and again. In the midst of my struggle with depression, I would often slip into a worship service at our church through a side door to escape being noticed. I came in late to worship one day and sat off to the side in order to avoid questioning eyes and concerned stares. My timing was bad because I had managed to get there just in time to welcome the visitors. I simply had no energy or desire to shake hands or smile at anyone, so I sat in my chair hoping everyone would understand and leave me alone. Then I saw him coming. One of our deacons had spotted me and was walking across the auditorium with a big smile on his face. I wanted to run. He put his arm around my shoulder and gently hugged me. He never said a word, but pressed a piece of paper into my hand and left as quickly as he had come. Through tears I read the precious note that said, "I love you and am praying for you. If you or Dan ever need me for anything, I am here." Healing comfort flooded my wounded heart and I found I had the strength to stay.

It's not how long we talk or how many eloquent words we use that matters. It is what we say that is so important. The words we speak are like seeds. What we plant will grow. We can speak words of encouragement that God will take and use to bring hope and give comfort. Comforting with your words is encouragement.

Get Involved

"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word" (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). When Jered was in second grade, there was a little boy in his class who no one liked because he was a bully and truly obnoxious. One Monday morning this young man came to school with both arms in casts from his shoulders to his wrists. He had fallen out of a tree and broken both arms. The teacher announced to the class that Johnny would need a "volunteer friend" for the next six weeks while he was in the casts. This "friend" would have to help Johnny do everything, from completing class assignments to feeding him lunch—and would even need to accompany him to the restroom.

After a few painful moments of silence, one hand went up. I have never been prouder of my son, who volunteered to be Johnny's helper. Jered had struggled to like Johnny, but his sensitive heart could not bear to see the look on Johnny's face when there were no volunteers. I wondered what the next few weeks would hold for my son. As it turned out, I was the one who learned a very important lesson. At the end of the six-week period, three amazing things had happened. First, Jered and Johnny became friends. Second, because Jered was well liked by everyone in the class, the other children decided that if Jered liked Johnny, then they could like him as well. But the greatest change was in Johnny himself. His behavior totally changed. It was as if he decided that since Jered liked him and the other kids liked him, he could be likable.

Sometimes we must become actively involved in someone's life to encourage them. Don't miss tomorrow's devotion for more ways to be an encourager.

Let's Pray

Father, I know You want me to share the love I have found in You. Forgive me for the many times I have been too busy to see the needs around me. Break my heart for those who are in pain and feel hopeless. Encourage them through me, Lord. Fill my heart with Your love so that I can give it away.

In Jesus's name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Read Galatians 5:22-23  "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

Make a list of the attributes listed in Galatians 5:22-23  Beside each one, write the name of someone who needs you to live out that quality in his or her life. Here are a few examples to help you get started:

Love: Jane - my neighbor who is struggling with her teenage son

Joy: Sally - my friend who has just discovered she has breast cancer

Peace: Linda - my friend's sister who is going through a divorce

Make a specific plan for meeting each need. (I will take Jane to lunch.)

Put a time limit on it. (I will take Jane to lunch on Thursday.)

Record your experience in your journal.

More from the Girlfriends

Nope! It is not too late to join Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey, for practical ways to tap into the power of God's Word. When you join, you have access to all of the 2013 lessons. The current study is Power Up With Proverbs.

Today's devotion was taken from Mary's book, Hope in the Midst of Depression. And be sure to connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

March 27, 2013

Encouragement 101

Part 2

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

"Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints"(Philemon 1:7, NIV).

Friend to Friend

Every day we cross paths with hurting people. A word of encouragement, an act of kindness, a caring smile may be enough to keep them on their feet. We want to be encouragers but may not know where to start. In yesterday's devotion, we examined three ways to encourage others by learning to listen, comforting with our words and getting involved. Today, we will explore more ways you and I can practice encouragement and build each other up in everyday life.

Demonstrate Great Patience

"Encourage them with great patience" (2 Timothy 4:2 ncv). Encouragement takes persistence. Persistence takes patience. Just because you have encouraged someone once does not mean that your role of encouragement in their life is over. They did not become discouraged overnight, and they will not often become encouraged overnight.

Dan first began making wooden furniture a few years ago. My job was to stain and finish the pieces after he had completed them. I had never worked with wood or stain and did not know much about how to accomplish the task. But I knew who did. I headed to our local hardware store. I explained to a salesclerk that I wanted to finish some furniture—today. I was in a hurry to place it in just the right spot in the house and wanted to get this staining business over with quickly. He smiled and patiently explained that it takes time to achieve the best finish. He obviously did not understand my timetable, so I tried to explain again. Ignoring my words, he said that a beautiful finish requires repeated layers of stain and lacquer with time to dry in between. There are no short- cuts if you want the final product to be right.

Encouragement is like that. It takes layers of love and great patience to replenish, restore, and put courage back into a heart. Patience is an important part of encouragement.

Offer Sensitive Instruction

Second Timothy 4:2 also says that we are to encourage others with careful instruction, being sensitive to the condition of the learner, to the one who is in need of encouragement. Learning does not begin with the truth. Learning begins with the learner and requires loving flexibility. Instruction that is wrapped with encouragement really works.

When Danna first played softball, her coaches were her dad and Garland Robertson, our youth pastor. Jered was an assistant coach. At one of their practices, one girl was having trouble hitting the ball. Garland was pitching—and that may have been the problem. Dan was giving her instructions—and that may have been the problem. For whatever reason, she was not hitting the ball. Finally, Jered pulled her aside and worked with her for 30 minutes. He was gentle and gave suggestions with great sensitivity. All of a sudden, the girl who was missing every pitch hit five in a row.

Instruction that is wrapped with encouragement really works. No one cares how much you know until they know just how much you care. I have heard it said that advice and instruction are like snow. The softer they fall—the deeper they stick. Sensitive instruction is encouragement.

Stay Close

It is encouraging to know that we are not alone, that someone else is close by, in the rocking boat with us. Remember that one of the definitions of encouragement is "to be beside." Sometimes the best way to encourage someone is to stay close by. Join them in what they are doing. A shared joy is a double joy, but a shared sorrow is half a sorrow. God has given us to each other so that we can share the load. A shared load is always a lighter load. The words of Ecclesiastes 4:12 give us a wonderful promise: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

I read about an ingenious teenager who grew tired of reading bedtime stories to his little sister. So he decided to record several of her favorite stories on tape. He gave her a tape player and plugged in the tape. "Now you can hear your stories anytime you want. Isn't that great?" he said. She looked at the machine for a moment and then replied, "No. It hasn't got a lap."

Encouragers look for opportunities to work. We all need a lap. We all need the closeness of relationship. We all need to know we are loved. We all need encouragement. Together we will find the encouragement that we need. Staying close to those who need you brings them encouragement.

Practice Encouragement Daily

"Encourage one another daily" (Hebrews 3:13). An encourager is one who knows you as you are, understands where you've been, accepts who you've become, and still gently invites you to grow. How often do we need to practice encouragement? Daily. Continually. Constantly.

The key to constant and daily encouragement is to vary our forms of encouragement and whom we encourage. Encouragers look for opportunities to work. Acts 4:36 tells us about a man who came to Christ and his life was changed so dramatically that he sold his land and brought the money to give to God through the early church. That is very impressive. But the most impressive thing about this man called Joseph is that the disciples changed his name. They called him Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement."

Are you an encourager? Would your friends suggest changing your name? Would your spouse or your children? What about your neighbors or that person in your life who is struggling to find a ray of light in their darkness?

The message is clear. Just as Christ has come into our lives to encourage us, we are to give that encouragement away. The most amazing truth is that the more encouragement we give, the more we will receive in the circle of encouragement.

Jesus promises, "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).

When Danna was a little girl, one of her favorite things to do was to color in one particular art book. It had several pages that were special. I remember one in particular that had a picture of a butterfly. When I looked at it, I couldn't understand her excitement because it was a dull gray. When I asked her why she liked it so much, she said, "Watch, Mommy." She rubbed her little hands together until they were warm and then laid her hand on the butterfly. The warm touch of her hand caused the special inks in the picture to react and the dull gray was transformed into a stunning rainbow of color.

This cold and dark world is hungry for the touch of someone who cares, for a word of kindness, for an act of compassion. This world—your world—is reaching out to you for encouragement.

Let's be encouragers.

Let's Pray

1.    If you need encouragement, think of two people with whom you can share that need and make a plan to do so.

2.    Look for people in your life to encourage.

3.    In your journal, record a recent time when you received and/or gave encouragement. What were the results?

4.    Write a note of encouragement to someone in need, letting them know you are praying for them. Offer to take care of a specific need such as preparing a meal, dropping by the grocery store to pick up a few items or picking up their cleaning. Many times, people in pain can't or won't ask for help. If you see a need, meet it.

5.    Write a note of thanks to someone who has encouraged you.

Now It's Your Turn

Read and memorize 1 Thessalonians 5:11. 14.  "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up...and we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone."

How do you rate as an encourager? Which of the following areas do you need to work on in order to give encouragement to the people in your life who need it?

___Demonstrate great patience

___Offer sensitive instruction

___Stay close

___Practice encouragement daily

[Judy Harder]

March 28, 2013

Ignored by Man, Chosen by God

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

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

Friend to Friend

Have you ever felt that you were overlooked or ignored...like you were a nobody? Well, take heart girlfriend. You are not alone. Most of us have felt that way at one time or another. I've been the girl not invited to the party, the kid not chosen for the team, to applicant not chosen by the employer, the writer not chosen by the publisher, and the child not chosen by the parent.

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

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

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

David was so insignificant to his own father, that when the prophet requested an audience with all of his boys, the dad didn't even think to invite him. However, he was the very one God had selected to be the next ruler of His chosen people. How exciting!  You may have felt overlooked, disregarded, and ignored, but God has chosen you! "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him," (1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV).  And that means you.

Ponder these verses...

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

Dear Father, thank you that I am chosen and dearly loved. While there have been many times in my life where I was not chosen, I rejoice in the truth that You chose me! Me! Help me to be an encourager to those who feel neglected or discarded by those in their world. Open my eyes to see the lonely, to hear the rejected, to love the forgotten.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

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

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

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

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

Now, click over to today's blog post and let me hear you shout... "Praise God! I am chosen!"

More from the Girlfriends

Today's devotion was taken from my book Becoming Spiritually Beautiful: Seeing Yourself as God Sees You. Nothing is more beautiful than a confident woman who knows she is chosen and dearly loved. If you would like to learn more about how to see yourself as God sees you, this book is for you! It also comes with a Bible study guide for those who want to dig deeper.

[Judy Harder]

March 29, 2013

What's Mine is Yours

Gwen Smith

Today's Truth

Act 4:32 (NIV) "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had."

Friend to Friend

"What's yours is mine, and what's mine is mine." My husband Brad and I used to joke that this was the unspoken motto of our kids when they were little. Toddlers have no qualms about grabbing a toy, snack, or any random item of interest from other people or pets. It's rare to see a child share her cherished possessions generously.

It can be hard for you and me to share too. Today's media bombards us with marketing campaigns that tell us we are the center of the universe. "You, you, you, you, you!" Time and time again we hear that this life is all about us. The more we have, the happier we'll be. The bigger that bank account, the more blessed the life. I sincerely hope that none of us actually buy these lies. They're dangerous deceptions.

We all have a sharing problem to some degree, don't we? Sometimes we don't want to share our time or our space. Sometimes we don't want to share our loved ones or our gifts. Sometimes we don't want to share our resources. Sometimes we just want to be left to ourselves and don't want to share anything!

God calls each of us to share. The early New Testament church shows us that generous living honors God and blesses others. In Acts 4:32-37; we see an amazing snapshot of generous giving in the early church. The believers were one in heart and mind. They were supernaturally unified to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and you could not find a needy person among them. What a model!

Giving wasn't political. It wasn't mandatory. It wasn't done begrudgingly.

"...They shared everything they had."(Acts 4:32)

"The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul."(Acts 11:29-30)

"But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving...For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have." (I Corinthians 8:7,12)

The resources of the believers were God's, and they knew it. They placed what they had before the leaders in selfless acts of worship...for the glory of God and the provision of others. This principle is very important, but it's also very counter-cultural.

The Bible clearly reveals that true life, a blessed life, an abundant life, a purposed life, is, in fact, all about God. What we have, have given birth to, or hold onto is really not our own.  It's just on loan to us for a breath of a moment by our more-than-generous Creator. Each day brings us new opportunities to be good stewards.

Let's face it; it's just not always easy or natural to be generous. Perhaps we have been taken advantage of or we've been hurt by another's deception. There are risks to giving.

The generous giving of the early church blessed the lives of their people. When we share what we have, God is honored and needs are met. The risks are worth taking.

I'm not suggesting a Robin Hood philosophy of "take from the rich and give to the poor." And I don't believe in the politics of communism or socialism. This principle of generous giving is Biblical. It's an act of worship to God. It matters to God, and it should matter to us.

We need to reject the toddler mentality of "what's mine is mine." God loves a cheerful giver. We are blessed to give. Tell God today: "Lord, what's mine is Yours! Use it for Your glory!"

Let's Pray

Dear Lord, thank You for this reminder from Your Word. You are amazingly lavish in Your love for me, and You have given me so much. All I have is Yours. Please help me to excel in the grace and worship of giving. Open my eyes to opportunities to bless others for Your glory.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Now It's Your Turn

How do you feel about your possessions? Have you shared generously lately?

Got a story about giving? I'd love to hear about it! Swing by my blog or facebook page today and leave a comment.

Is God bringing anyone to your mind that could use your help or generosity?

Read and meditate on 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

More from the Girlfriends

Hey friend. I know that this is a sensitive subject to some of you. Maybe your husband won't tithe. Perhaps you don't even know how you will pay your rent this month. God knows your heart. He loves you greatly. Remember, giving isn't always about money. We can give in many ways; service, an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a dinner to a new mom, or time spent with an elderly friend. Now...go bless someone today!!

If you enjoyed this devotion, subscribe to my newsletter. Big Bonus: when you subscribe to the newsletter, you will receive a free song download! How fun is that? Thanks for doing life with us!

Are you ready for a fresh faith adventure? What does trusting God really look like? Trusting God by Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith and Mary Southerland will help you experience the exciting journey of discovering personal peace in the ups and downs of life.

[Judy Harder]

April 1, 2013

Dare to Be Disciplined

Part 1

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV)

Friend to Friend

It is much easier to give in to sin or yield to temptation when we are physically depleted. Discipline begins in the mind and travels to the body. I can hear you groaning already, but stay with me! Sin and temptation often find their greatest opportunity to work in the body.

I have struggled with diet and exercise from childhood. Part of my struggle is rooted in "fluffy" genes lovingly passed down to me through several generations of "fluffy" relatives. The remainder of my struggle is firmly rooted in the fact that I hate exercise, take medications that cause weight gain, enjoy eating, and sometimes use food as an emotional outlet. Maintaining a healthy weight is a constant battle in my life and the area in which I am learning the most about discipline.

Born and raised in Texas, I was a young adult and living on my own before I realized that part of the creation process included green things called vegetables. The motto in our family was, "If it ain't fried, it ain't right." Gravy was a condiment and potatoes a staple at every meal. No bread? How can you have a meal without bread? And dessert was a necessity. Get the picture?

Consequently, over the years, my weight has fluctuated like a championship yo-yo. Satan rejoiced as I deemed myself "worthy" when I lost the weight and "unworthy" when I gained it back. Guilt and shame attached themselves to every bite of food, while the Battle of the Bulge became the War of Worthiness. Fulltime ministry brought new weapons into the fray. Ridiculously crowded schedules and chronic fatigue seemed to be regarded as holy Medals of Honor, so I signed up and quickly learned the unspoken rules of ministry – such as rest is for the wicked, exhaustion is for the holy, fast food is for the fully devoted, and burnout is the unspoken but ultimate goal. At times, I can almost hear Satan standing in the wings, laughing at my skewed priorities and lack of discipline, knowing that his opening is just around the corner.

There is simply no way around the truth that discipline of the body is part of a godly life. We cannot give our hearts to God but keep our bodies for ourselves. To do so is sin. It's time for a new plan and a new way of thinking when it comes to disciplining these frail, human bodies in which we live.

Eliminate diets. Replace all diets with a healthy eating plan. Fad diets are nothing more than a quick fix and rarely work long-term. A healthy eating plan requires a change in lifestyle, and is not only a matter of how much we weigh, but a matter of what we eat as well. Many thin people follow diets that are just as ungodly as the diets of overweight people. I have begun asking myself, "Is this good for me?" instead of "Is this fattening?" A healthy eating plan honors God.

Learn to fast. Consistent fasting produces both physical and spiritual discipline and control. Try fasting one meal this week. Next week, fast two meals on the same day, and during the third week, fast the entire day. Be sure to drink plenty of water and juice. Take the time you would normally spend eating to pray and read the Bible. Fasting leads to physical and spiritual cleansing as it paves the way for godly discipline.

Get moving. A friend once told me that her favorite exercise was opening and closing the refrigerator door. Hmmm ... not good! Set realistic goals in the area of exercise. Start with fifteen minutes a day, three times a week. Gradually increase the time spent exercising. Choose an activity with a dual purpose. For example, while you are walking, you can pray. Walking can be a healthy way of dealing with anger, venting frustration to God instead of others. A walk can also serve as a "mini-retreat" during a chaotic day. Ask God to change your perspective of exercise – then take the first step. He will meet you there.

We need to remember that our bodies house the Holy Spirit. In what condition is your dwelling place for God? Is He pleased with His temple? A lack of physical discipline is a foothold for the enemy, an unlocked door through which disobedience and failure ride on the wings of Satan's best schemes. It is time for us to embrace and apply physical discipline as a gift and commandment from God.

Let's Pray

Father, I celebrate the amazing truth that You chose to live in me, and that my body is Your temple. Please forgive me when I abuse that temple, Lord. I need Your strength and power to apply Godly discipline in my life.

In Jesus's name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Memorize 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV) "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body."

Record this verse in your journal. Then write it in your own words and make it your prayer today.

More from the Girlfriends

Do you want to be a success? Check out Mary's weekly online Bible study, Power Up With Proverbs, for Biblical wisdom and practical steps you can take to live a life of victory. Since each lesson stands alone, it's not too late to join and still have access to all of the lessons.

Do you have any difficult relationships in your life? Get Mary's book, Sandpaper People, for practical ways to deal with those people who rub you the wrong way.