Girlfriends in God

Judy Harder · January 22, 2009, 08:39:13 AM

January 22, 2009
Climbing Out of the Pit, Part 2
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry." Psalm 40:1 (NIV)

Friend To Friend
At some point in life, we all will find ourselves in some kind of pit, the darkness settling around us like a paralyzing blanket of hopelessness. That deep, dark pit may have many names, but easily becomes a prison from which escape seems impossible. The journey out of that pit is a process of steps uniquely planned by your Father. He is the Guide for this journey.

Step One: Wait for God.

Step Two: Cry out for help.
Many times, those who are imprisoned by darkness and depression look for help in the wrong places. Let me share with you some of the right places to find help.

Turn to God
In Psalm 40:1 "cry" literally means "to summon." What an amazing thought! The God of the universe, the One who created the world and flung the stars into space, waits and listens for the voice of His children. When they cry out, He comes to them just like a mother runs to her sick child, calling through the darkness of night. God comes to us in many ways.

· Reading His Word Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

I lived in the book of Psalms during the two darkest years of my depression. I could no longer study but I could meditate. A friend had given me an instrumental tape of hymns. Every day, I would plug in that tape, take the phone off of the hook and read psalm after psalm for hours. They were like water to a thirsty heart, an oasis to a weary child, wandering in the dry and barren desert. I found myself in the words that I read and took great comfort in the fact that God was totally aware of everything that I was feeling.

· Talking with Him Peter 3:12 "For the Lord is watching his children, listening to their prayers."

The darkness called forth the most childlike prayer of my life. Day after day, night after night, I poured out the questions I had always been afraid to ask, my deepest fears and greatest pain. It was the most honest and powerful prayer of my life. I began to fall in love with the One who created me in my mother's womb and set me apart for Himself. When you spend time with Him, you will love Him and learn to know the sound of His voice above all others.

Turn to doctors and counselors
Proverbs 15: 22 "Plans go wrong with too few counselors; many counselors bring success."

Many people say that depression is only a spiritual problem and that there are only spiritual solutions. I disagree.

There was a terrible storm. The little girl was so frightened that she cried out in fear. Her daddy came running, gathered her up in his arms and held her tightly. He quietly explained that she had nothing to fear because God would take care of her. The little girl thought for a moment and then replied, "I know God will take care of me and love me, but right now, Daddy, I want someone with skin on!"

We often need "someone with skin on" to help us out of our depression. One of those persons may be a physician. I encourage anyone experiencing depression to get a physical as soon as possible. Depression is often a physical problem and may respond to medication. After a physical and several blood tests, my doctor discovered that I had a chemical imbalance which encouraged depression and said that it had probably been present from birth. I just thought that everyone saw life like I saw it - like a poorly developed photograph - black around the edges and closing in. It seemed as if I had lived my whole life trying to escape one dark shadow after another. The doctor prescribed medication that would correct the imbalance, but it would not eliminate the depression. It simply enabled me to have the strength and energy to deal with the issues that had led me to the pit.

Christian counseling is another valuable weapon in the battle against depression. God gave counselors their gifts to use for Him in ministry. He must have known that we would need them and the gift of healing they bring when balancing the psychological world with the healing power of a living God. Somewhere in your world, God has stationed servants who are equipped and ready to help you.

Turn to your support team
Isaiah 42:3 "He will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the dimly burning flame. He will encourage the fainthearted, those tempted to despair."

A support team is essential for anyone in the pit of depression. My team carried me when I couldn't take another step and loved me when I was unlovable, encouraging me when I felt like giving up. I would still be in the darkness today if it weren't for my family, my church and my friends. God worked through them in my life.

When I married into the Southerland family, I did not know that tent camping was part of the deal. I might have reconsidered (just kidding). I decided that I could learn to camp and maybe even enjoy it! My first trip to Lake Greason in the foothills of the Ozarks was quite an experience. It did not take me long to learn the routine. Every day, Dan's mom would prepare a huge breakfast. Afterwards, the kids did dishes while mom headed for her tent, where she changed into her swim suit, put on her sun glasses, grabbed a towel and made a bee line for the lake. On the shore, she would grab an inner tube, position her towel in just the right spot, turn around and sit down in the tube. Then she would float blissfully for hours. There was a slight problem with this plan. Lake Greason had a current that would carry mom down the lake, around the bend and into the path of ski boats. Several times a day, someone would have to swim after her, pulling her back to the safety of the shore, where she would profusely thank them and go right back to floating. Finally, one of the kids came up with a great idea. Get a rope! They grabbed a ski rope, tied one end to mom's inner tube and the other end to a wooden stake driven securely into the ground. She could then float until the rope ran out and someone "reeled her in".

This is exactly what the people on my support team did for me. They rescued me repeatedly. They could see the dangers I was too weak to see. They loaned me their energy when mine was gone. They became a life line that kept me from drifting toward the brink of disaster. Has it affected their opinion of me? Absolutely! It has shown them that I am just like them - not a Superwoman -- and has given them permission to face their own weaknesses. It has modeled authenticity and transparency for them and encouraged them to be real. I know that some of you are thinking that there is absolutely no one who will sign up to be a member of your support team. If you will cry out to God and honestly seek help, He will bring your helpers.

Let's Pray
Father, I need Your help! I turn to You first. My heart cries out to You, asking for Your hand of deliverance and restoration to touch my life. Please lead me to those You have equipped and chosen to help me during this dark time. I don't see them, Lord, but I trust You to bring them. Thank You for what You are already doing in the midst of this pit!

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

· Read one psalm every day.

· Pray, crying out for help from His hand, waiting on God and listening for His voice.

· Where do you usually go for help?

· What do the words "cry out to God" mean to you?

· What do you have to surrender, in order to cry out to Him?

More From The Girlfriends
For a long time, I let my pride keep me from asking for help. Fortunately, those who loved me didn't wait for me to ask. They simply jumped in when they saw a need -- and found a way to meet that need. If you are struggling with depression or the darkness of a pit, share your pain with someone who loves you. Ask for help. In doing so, you are inviting God to work through those people to bring you out of the darkness, into the light. My story is much like yours and can be read in my book, Hope in the Midst of Depression. Would you like to work through a bible study that will help? Try Strength for the Storm, an E-Book bible study you can download and work through on your own or with a friend.

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 · January 23, 2009, 08:34:27 AM

January 23, 2009
Climbing Out of the Pit, Part 3
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD." Psalm 40:2-3 (NIV)

Friend To Friend
At some point in life, we all will find ourselves in some kind of pit, the darkness settling around us like a paralyzing blanket of hopelessness. That deep, dark pit may have many names, but easily becomes a prison from which escape seems impossible. The journey out is a process of steps uniquely planned by your Father. He is the Guide for this step-by-step journey.

Step One: Wait for God.
Step Two: Cry out for help.
Step Three: Count on God.

In this world, there are few certainties. God is one. His promises are true and we can wholly trust Him to keep His Word, to do exactly what He promises to do. In the key passage today, we find an impressive set of promises. God promises to free us -- direct us -- restore us -- give us joy and invites us to join Him in Kingdom work. Wow! That is quite an impressive "to do list" when you are sitting at the bottom of an ugly pit, with the shattered pieces of your life scattered around you. But God's ways are not our ways.

In Romans 11:33, Paul writes "Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his riches, wisdom, and knowledge. How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods." (NIV)

God is drawn to brokenness. What an amazing truth, that He turns first to the broken. Psalm 40:1 says "He turned to me." Notice it does not say that David, the author, turned to God. I don't think that David could turn to God! Knowing the desire of David's heart and understanding his weakness, God heard his cry and turned to David just like God will hear your cry and turn to you!

During the darkest hours, I questioned God continually. I flung my anger at Him like a spear. My heart and soul were filled with fear and confusion instead of faith and trust. Yet, He never turned away from me. He knew every tear that I cried. Out of those tears and brokenness has come the most effective and powerful chapter of my life! I am convinced that the more we are broken, the more we are used. You can count on God. You can credit His grace to your account!

Mercy is when we don't get what we deserve.

Justice is when we get what we do deserve.

Grace is when we get what we do not deserve.

We are trophies of God's grace and we can count on Him.

Step Four: Be patient.

Psalm 40:1 "I waited patiently for the Lord."

In this verse, "patiently" literally means "without tiring" or "with perseverance". Be patient with yourself. Don't give up on you. No one gets depressed overnight and no one conquers depression overnight. It is a marathon, not a fifty yard dash! On my journey, it took 45 years to hit rock bottom. It has taken me four years to climb out ... this far. I am still climbing! We must be patient. We must be willing to persevere. Don't give up! Just give in and allow God to take control. He will turn that pit into an altar on which your broken spirit can be laid as a sweet sacrifice of praise.

Step Five: Don't give up.

Philippians 1:6 "And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns."

God is at work! The very fact that you are reading this devotion is proof that the Father has ordered your steps so that you can hear my story. That may be because you are in a pit and you need help or maybe because someone you love is in that pit and you need to help them. God wants you to experience restoration and then to be a vessel of restoration for others.

Years ago, in a large southeastern city, the great pianist, Paderewski, was scheduled to perform. The city was alive with excitement and the day finally came. In the crowd at the concert was a young mother clutching the hand of her small son. Hoping to inspire him to practice, she had brought him to hear the master perform. As they sat and waited for the concert to begin, she turned her head to look at the people as they filled the auditorium. The little boy saw his chance to escape. He quietly slipped from his seat, walking down the aisle toward the stage. Just as he reached the orchestra pit, a spotlight hit the grand piano and he gasped at the beauty of the instrument. No one noticed the little boy as he slipped up the side stairs to the stage and climbed up on the piano stool. No one noticed him at all, until he began to play "Chopsticks". The concert hall fell silent. Then people began to shout. "Get him away from that piano!" Backstage, the Master heard the crowd and grabbing his coat, rushed to the little boy's side. Without a word, he bent down and, placing his hands on either side of the boy's, began to compose a beautiful counter melody to "Chopsticks". As they played together, he whispered in the little boy's ear, "Don't stop! Keep on! Don't quit!"

Right now, right where you are, understand that your Father is standing beside you, with His arms wrapped around you. Listen as He gently speaks, "Don't stop! Keep on! Don't quit!"

I know that the music of your darkened soul may be filled with chaos and dissonance, but even now, the Master is composing the "rest" of your song. One day very soon, it will be a song of beauty and light! One day, you will come out of the dark!

Let's Pray
Oh God, right now I choose to wait on You, crying out for Your hand of mercy and love to deliver me from this pit of darkness. I abandon myself to You and am counting on You to be my Redeemer and Friend. Give me the courage to share my pain with others and ask for help. Now, in the presence of my enemies of darkness and depression, I celebrate the victory. Thank you, Father!

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Memorize Psalm 40:1-3. Accept these promises as a gift from God for every pit -- past, present and future -- in your life. Ask yourself the following questions:

· What is the first step you should take in order to climb out of this pit?

· What do you need to leave behind or step over in order to take this first step?

Read 2 Samuel 2:29. What does it mean when it says that God is your lamp? How does that change your perspective of life?
Examine the deepest desires of your heart. Do you really want to escape this pit of darkness? Does the freedom frighten you? Why?
More From The Girlfriends
I am often asked if I no longer have to deal with depression. Yes, I do. I have asked God to take this struggle out of my life, but He has said "no." Why? I don't pretend to know all of the reasons, but I do know that my name, Mary, literally means "bitter, but when broken, sweet." My battle with depression keeps me on my face before God, broken and crying out to God. Anything that makes us cry out to God can be counted as a blessing. If you need help in dealing with depression and the pain of the pit, you can find resources that will help by visiting my online store and website where you will find free resources to encourage and equip you on your journey. You can also email me at mary@marysoutherland.com. Blessings.

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

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

Judy Harder · January 26, 2009, 08:07:11 AM

January 26, 2009
Unshakable Confidence
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant" (2 Corinthians 3:5-6 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Do you have confidence? Do you have self-confidence? You might be surprised that Paul, one of the greatest leaders in the New Testament, had very little confidence in himself, but he had immeasurable confidence in God who empowered and equipped him.

Paul said that he "put no confidence in the flesh" (Philippians 3:3). In other words, he didn't think that he was good enough because of any particular talent or ability that he had on his own. But his confidence came from who he was, what he had, and where he was as a child of God. Someone once said, "A man wrapped up in himself makes a pretty small package." But a man, or woman, wrapped up in God is an amazing sight to behold.

I am not advocating confidence in self, but confidence in God - confidence in who you are because of what Jesus has done for you and the Holy Spirit can do through you. Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5, 6 TNIV). Connected to the vine you can do everything God calls you to do (Philippians 4:13).

Paul knew what he could accomplish on his own...nothing. Oh, he could be busy. We all can do that. But bearing "fruit that will remain" is another story. This is how he viewed his own personal weaknesses:

I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first, I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,

'My grace is enough; it's all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.'

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now that I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size-abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.
(2 Corinthians 12:7-10 The Message)

Paul had great confidence. The prefix, "con" means "with" and the root "fid" means faith." Therefore, a confident person is one who walks in faith. We walk in faith that we are holy, chosen, redeemed, dearly loved children of God who are empowered by the Holy Spirit, equipped by our Maker, and enveloped by Jesus Christ. Now that's an unshakable confidence.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, I know that nothing good dwells in me apart from You. I can do nothing in my own strength that will have eternal worth. But through the power of the Holy Spirit, when I am abiding in the Vine (attached and connected to Jesus), I can do mighty works with everlasting fruit that remains. I am confident because of who I am in You.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Would you say that you are a confident or insecure person?

Where does your confidence come from?

Now what does God-confidence have to do with what Jesus promised us in John 14:12?

More From The Girlfriends
The enemy tells us that we're not smart enough. God says we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). The enemy tells us that we are losers. God says that we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). The enemy tells us that we are incompetent. God says that our competence is from God (2 Corinthians 3:5-6). Now, let's start walking in confidence. What to learn more? See Sharon's new book, I'm Not Good Enough...and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves and start walking in the truth today!

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 · January 27, 2009, 08:15:27 AM

January 27, 2009
Living by Faith
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) "We live by faith, not by sight."

Friend To Friend
Miracles should be a daily occurrence. "God things" should be the norm if we truly know and abide in Christ. Men and women leave ministry every day, their lives shattered against a measurable faith by the hammering blows of life. Life lived in human power is consuming and futile but life lived in God's power is powerful and purpose driven.

As a wife, mother, friend, family member ... in any relationship, we cannot lead where we have not been, we cannot share what we do not possess and we cannot convey a message of power from a powerless life. God stands ready to pour His power in and through us to a world filled with hurting, wounded and hopeless people. All of His power is at our disposal yet we are satisfied to live our days filled with results that can be understood and easily explained in human terms. I desperately want to live in such a way that one day I can look back in wonder at all of the "God things" He did in and through my life. I pray that those who come behind me will celebrate an ordinary life that was lived in extraordinary ways and is explainable only through a power man can neither produce nor comprehend -- God's power.

The power of God is unleashed through faith. Faith is a personal issue. Just as we cannot inherit or borrow faith, neither can we rely on the faith of anyone else. We must have our own personal faith.

As a freshman in college, I began dating a young man whose faith was very different from my own. Normally, I would never have considered dating anyone whose beliefs were in such stark contrast to mine, but we had so many other things in common and so enjoyed being together that we decided to take the risk and just date for fun. Big mistake! Neither one of us was prepared for the fact that our relationship quickly escalated into a serious one but we both realized that unless we resolved the faith issue, we would never have a future together.

I had attended church from birth and simply assumed that my beliefs were right because they were all I knew -- until someone I really cared about questioned the authenticity of my commitment to God. I began to examine my faith and ended up making it my own. While a human relationship ended, I will be forever grateful that God used that young man to affirm my belief system, test my faith and deepen my eternal relationship with God.

Let's Pray
Father, I want to become a woman of faith in order to please You and live a life of victory -- not defeat. I want my life to point others to You alone. I don't want to settle for anything less than the best You have for me, Father. Please fill my heart with a hunger for You, Your truth and Your will. Today, I choose to step out in faith and do whatever You want me to do. Strengthen me, Lord, and help me to live by faith -- not by sight.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

How would you define faith?
Would others describe you as a woman of faith? Would your husband and children? Your friends?
Read Hebrews 11:1-3 and then write the meaning of faith according to these verses.
How does your faith differ from the kind of faith described in Hebrews?
What is the first step you need to take in order to become a woman of faith?
Do a word search of bible verses containing the word "faith". Choose three of these verses to memorize.

More From The Girlfriends
I love the acrostic defining faith: Forsaking all I trust Him. In order to trust God, we must forsake anyone or anything else as our source. God is our source and like the Shepherd cares for his flock, God meets every need in the lives of His children. Join me in a new commitment to live life, trusting only God. Need help? I have a CD - Love That Never Fails and an MP3 download - Stepping Out in Faith that will encourage and equip you to walk in faith. Blessings.

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

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

Judy Harder · January 28, 2009, 08:06:07 AM

January 28, 2009
I'm not_______ enough.
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV)

Friend To Friend
I'm not _____________ enough. You can fill that blank in with smart, talented, gifted, spiritual, or any number of positive attributes, but the root source of each one of those lies is "I'm not good enough." It is one of the enemy's favorite weapons and he uses it to keep God's children in bondage to feelings of inferiority, insecurity, and inadequacy. The bottom line is that the enemy wants you to believe that you are "not enough." Period. But you are enough. You are enough and have been equipped and empowered to do everything that God has called you to do.

It seems the message of "I'm not good enough to earn my way to heaven on my own," has been transformed into I'm not good enough ... period. God created man and woman and said, "It is good." We are so valuable to God that He gave His only Son to restore our brokenness.

To be honest, I could have been the poster child for this lie. If feeling inadequate was an Olympic event, I would have been on the Wheaties box. It was the undercurrent of my entire existence until I finally realized who I was in Christ. Bible teacher Beth Moore said, "In the dead of the night when insecurities crawl on us like fleas, all of us have terrifying bouts of insecurity and panics of insignificance. Our human natures pitifully fall to the temptation to pull out the tape measure and gauge ourselves against people who seem more gifted and anointed by God." That was me.

Many women are living in silent defeat, comparing themselves to other women who are living in secret defeat. I'm not a good mother. I'm not a good wife. I'm not a good Christian. I'm not a good witness. I'm not a good housekeeper. I'm not a good decorator. I'm not a good cook. I'm not a good .... Women are caught in a cycle of the "I'm not good enoughs." One by one, the petals fall from the beautiful flower God created us to be. Like ticker tape, our fragmented pieces of confidence litter the streets like the Macy's parade passing by.

Unfortunately, I wasted many precious years held captive by the enemy's lies before I held up my chained hands to God and said, "I'm ready for you to set me free."

Consider this:

Jacob was a liar.

Moses was a stutterer.

Gideon was a coward.

David was an adulterer.

Rahab was a prostitute.

Esther was an orphan.

Balaam's donkey was ...well, a donkey.

Yet God used each one of them to impact His kingdom.

God doesn't call us because we are particularly gifted or talented. He uses us because we are obedient and dependent on Him. He doesn't call the qualified -- He qualifies the called.

The truth is, if you have experienced new birth in Christ, when God looks at you, He sees Jesus. And friend, Jesus is good enough.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You today. Because of Jesus Christ and His work of redemption in me, I am deeply loved, completely forgiven, fully pleasing and totally accepted by You. Because of Jesus Christ in me, I am equipped and empowered to do all that You have called me to do. Now, LORD, help me act like it.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Go back to that first sentence in today's devotion. What would you put in that blank?

Is that the truth?

What do you think God would say to you about what you have written in that blank?

More From The Girlfriends
Are you ready to begin walking in the truth rather than stumbling over the lies? Are you ready to begin seeing yourself as God sees you? Then you'll want to read Sharon's new book, I'm Not Good Enough...and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves. Visit her website to read an excerpt. But be warned. This book could change your life!

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

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

Judy Harder · January 29, 2009, 08:19:24 AM

January 29, 2009
Hope for Tomorrow
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:7 (NCV)

Friend To Friend
A cloud of terror hung over the Valley of Elah as snarling threats and vile promises spewed from his mouth. The intimidator strutted along grassy slopes swinging an enormous club, his mammoth, ironclad feet pawing the ground like an irate bull, ready to attack. The huge, ugly monster was Goliath, a nine foot giant, the pride of Philistia. He wore massive armor; a bronze coat weighing 200 pounds, a solid iron spear, a heavy bronze helmet. The target of his ranting and raving was a frightened, helpless group of Israelites, cowering in their tents. For forty agonizing days, Goliath had come, taunting them, promising certain destruction and doom. The Israelites, paralyzed with fear, had given up all hope of escape, resigned to their tortured fate at the hand of this Philistine monster.

Then came day forty-one! I am certain, as the sun inched its way over the mountains that morning, that neither Goliath nor the Israelites had any idea just how different this day would be. A young handsome teenager stepped into the valley of fear, fresh from the presence of God. David, the youngest in a family of eight boys could not believe the scene before him. Tossing the giant's threats and obvious advantage aside, David refused to accept what he saw. Instead, he chose to believe what he knew in his heart; this giant was going down! With simple but certain faith and unreserved confidence in God, David stepped through the fear, ushering in the mighty presence and power of God. Goliath not only met David that day, He met the Lord of Heaven and Earth. And the giant fell! Giants always fall in the presence of God!

We stand on the threshold of a new year -- a new beginning! If you are like me, you face 2009 with mixed emotions. Personally, I am thrilled that I survived 2008! There were certainly moments when I wondered if I would. I am so excited about a fresh start, a brand new set of days overflowing with new dreams and unmarked possibilities. But I also know that this year is crammed full of the unknown as well as a giant or two. And if I am brutally honest, I have to admit that the unknown fashions a pocket of fear in my heart where questions and doubts thrive.

The good news is that what lies ahead is no surprise to God. In fact, He has already been where we are going. That reason alone empowers us to face every tomorrow with hope, knowing that whatever touches us passes through His hands, with His permission. It is not God's plan for us to dwell in fear or for fear to rule our lives. He has already set in motion the defeat and fall of every giant that we will ever face. Our responsibility is to step through our fear, facing every giant in God's power and with His promises. The Holy Spirit will guide the path of His truth to its destined mark, taking down the giants lurking in each tomorrow.

He is the same yesterday, today and forever! The days ahead are saturated with the memory of Goliath's fall and trust in Almighty God, the Giant Killer! So then, my friend, I ask you, what is there to fear? Happy New Year!

Let's Pray
Father, I want to thank You for Your goodness to me this past year. I confess that there were times when I focused on the storm instead of on You. I allowed fear to overpower my faith. Please help me begin this New Year in faith, with my eyes on You and my glance on the circumstances. I want to face every giant in Your power alone, walking straight through my fear in faith. Right now, Father, I surrender to You and the plan You have for me in 2009.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Take time to review the past year and consider the following questions:

What giants have you faced this year?
Was your response to these giants right or wrong?
How do you typically handle fear?
What giants are you facing today?
What has been your natural response to giants of the past?
How do the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ affect those responses?
Read Luke 2:8-14. Examine your life in light of this passage.

More From The Girlfriends
Can you believe that the clean slate of 2009 is just ahead? A new beginning! A fresh start! However, what did we learn in 2008 that will make a difference in 2009? As the holiday season winds down, I pray that your heart and mind will look ahead to all that this year holds. Guard your heart and mind against darkness. Stand firm in God's power and presence. He is faithful and He is sufficient for whatever tomorrow brings. Start the New Year off right by making daily bible study a priority. Check out two of my E-Book Bible Studies, Strength for the Storm and God's Answer to Stress.

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 · January 30, 2009, 07:12:47 AM

January 30, 2009
Sit Down, Soul!
Cindi Wood

I 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",
Cindi Wood.

Today's Truth
"Come away with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 6:31

Friend To Friend
Cooking...cleaning...refereeing...chauffeuring...filing...paying bills...making phone calls...going to work...do you ever feel like running away from being in charge of everybody and everything!?

Maybe, like me, you've realized that what causes the most stress in life seems to be the accumulation of those common daily hassles. Honestly, those daily things pile up and drive you nuts! According to research, I've read, women do pretty well dealing with those major life events -- but it's the daily conquering of our never-ending "To Do Lists" that sends us over the edge.

Girlfriend, God has a word for you! Yes, all of you who are teetering on the edge of Freak-Out and for those of you who already have plunged over that cliff! His word comes through the psalmist in Psalm 131:2. "But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother."

Oh, the simplicity of being still; sitting down and being quiet in the middle of chaos is the way to regain your composure and strengthen your heart.

How quiet is your soul? Your soul is your mind and emotions. And if you're like most women, your soul is running all over the place! Maybe you've mastered the art of sitting down physically and even appearing to be quiet. But on the inside, your soul is charging ahead -- making plans and thinking about everything that has to be done. Any sisters out there?

I liken it to the perpetual little Ms. Pac Man -- running all over the place trying to gobble up all those stress ghosts before they gobble you! I remember so well when my boys were young and I'd pull them away from the video games, sending them to "the quiet place" so they could calm down and unwind. Sometimes it took quite a while for them to recover a quiet demeanor after being jerked around with all the agitated stimuli on the computer.

How about you, dear friend? Are the stressors of life jerking you around, leaving you agitated and jumpy? Well, I invite you to take a stress break. Quiet your emotions. De-escalate your soul. "Be still and know that He is God." (Psalm 46:10)

Yes, be very still and really know that He is God!

Okay. So right now, I'm going to take a few moments to deep breathe. Instead of charging frantically ahead to the next stress-stop, I'm sprinting into the arms of my God. He's the only One who can quiet my spirit and settle my nerves.

Let's Pray
Lord, I'm catching my breath; I'm catching my breath in You. Instead of charging ahead with my plans, I'm rushing to You! Teach me how to be still and know You are God!

In Jesus' name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn

Determine with your mind to be still.
Throughout the day, deep breathe the name of Jesus as you quiet yourself.
Thank Him regularly for calming your heart and being your strength.

More From The Girlfriends
Dear Frazzled Sister, I know being still is perhaps the most difficult thing you'll ever do. I encourage you to take time each day to be still in the arms of God. He will bless you in this determination to come before Him on a daily basis. Meditate on Scripture as you quietly soak in His Presence. You'll be surprised at the joy and peace you'll discover by being obedient to God in His calling to come away with Him, by yourself, to this quiet place.

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 · February 02, 2009, 07:40:08 AM

February 2, 2009
Fogged In
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

Friend To Friend
The night before, I made all the final preparations for my trip from Charlotte to Kentucky, with a plane change in Atlanta. The conference had been booked a year ago and I was eager to be with the women who would be gathering in just a few hours. But the next morning proved to be one of those days that the harder I tried, the behinder I got. It all began at 6:35 am.

"My flight is at 9:35," I told my husband. "So we should be safe leaving at 8:00. That will give us 30 minutes and I'll get to the airport at 8:35."

My husband, who says he has an airport ministry taking me to and fro, waited patiently in the car as I hopped in at 8:05. "Five minutes behind," I smiled. "That's not too bad."

We pulled out of our garage and we were immediately engulfed in a wet blanket of dense fog. "I can't see a thing," Steve moaned. "This may take a while."

After creeping out of the neighborhood, we eased onto the belt road and join the parade of cars inching their way through earthbound clouds. My heart began to race as the car continued to crawl. Clutching my ticket, I glanced down trying to will the departure time to be later than I had read earlier. "Oh no," I cried, "I read the ticket wrong! The flight departs at 9:05, not 9:35. There's no way I'm going to make it!"

I could tell from the white knuckles on the steering wheel that Steve was just about to resign from his airport ministry and keep his day job in dentistry. Dentistry was a lot less stressful.

Not another word was spoken all the way to the airport.

At 8:59, I bolted from the car, through the terminal doors, and to the security checkpoint. Faster than Superman in a phone booth, I stripped off my boots, jacket, earrings, necklace and watch, pushed my carry on through the x-ray monster's mouth, and walked through the metal arches. Foot tapping on the other side the lackadaisical security specialist sang, "Ma'am, we're going to have to check inside your luggage. There's something in there we can't identify."

"No, please don't," I pled. "I'm about to miss my plane."

"No, please don't," isn't something that goes over too well with security guards. So they did -- search my bag that is. Inside they discovered 25 scripture bracelets that read, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." I almost laughed.

While they searched, I redressed and re-accessorized. Please Lord, let the flight be delayed, I prayed

I jogged to the gate in my three-inch heel boots only to discover that God had answered my prayers! The flight was delayed. Seemed I wasn't the only one affected by the fog. Over the next 45 minutes, I regained consciousness, summoned my sanity, and slowed my pulse. I dared not tell the disgruntled passengers that the flight delay was my fault.

Finally, we were on the plane and on our way. But then...rolling, rolling, rolling, pause. Rolling, rolling, rolling, pause. It seemed that we were going to drive to Atlanta rather than fly. We sat on the runway for 45 more minutes and I knew that I was not going to make my connecting flight in Atlanta.

When we did finally arrive in Atlanta, 2 ½ hours behind schedule, I discovered that my flight to Kentucky was delayed and there were no more seats available for the entire day. I was placed on standby, only to join 40 others on standby as well. I was #32. The plane held 57 passengers and it was booked solid. I called the conference coordinator and gave her the news. Prognosis -- not good. My attitude -- even worse.

Now, I have left out lots of frustrating minute details, but let's just say I was not happy. No one was cooperating: the weather, the airlines, or the One who controls it all. At least that's how I felt. Pull up a chair beside me and watch what God did to adjust my attitude and put the day's frustrations in perspective.

I'm sitting at a jam-packed gate filled with angry disgruntled passengers. B12. I look just like them, feel just like them, act just like them. Are you with me?

"Excuse me," the airport employee announced. "Let's clear the aisle, people. This plane is preparing to disembark. Clear the way. Make room."

She walked over to the boarding door and positioned a red wheelchair by the entrance. Then she was joined by another, then another, then another. I had a front row seat and facing me -- staring me in the face -- were 7 attendees standing behind 7 shiny red wheelchairs... waiting for passengers disembarking the plane.

Then God began to speak to my heart. I suspect He had been trying to get my attention all day long, but I was too wrapped up in my own struggles to listen. Sharon, He began, which side of this aisle would you rather be on. The standby side or the side waiting for those who can't stand at all.

Suddenly, my little trials and tribulations of the day seemed very small. So what if my flight was canceled. I could walk. I stopped whining and began thanking God -- for eyes that see, ears that hear, fingers that feel, hands that help, lips that speak. I realized that I needed to focus less on the air traffic controllers and more on the One who controls the air. A little fog never stopped Him from accomplishing all that He has purposed and if He wanted me to sit in that airport, I could trust that He had a great plan.

I didn't make that flight, but all 37 of us on standby did get out of Atlanta that night. A family of five made it to the wedding of a beloved son, a soldier in uniform returned to the arms of his waiting mom, and I made it to the conference with thirty minutes to spare.

God had it under control all along. He just needed to lift the fog in my own heart before I could see clearly to serve Him.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, there are many days when I get so anxious about the details of life. Thank you for the reminder that You are in control. Direct my path. Help me rest in the assurance that no matter what happens today, it is no surprise to You.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn

When is the last time you became frustrated because of a delay?
What was your attitude in that situation?
How can today's truth help you cope with the frustration when your well -made plans are interrupted by life?
More From The Girlfriends
Don't you just love when God teaches you lessons right in the middle of your ordinary days? If you would like to read more stories to encourage you, see Sharon's devotional book, Extraordinary Moments with God. You'll begin to see His fingerprints on the pages of your life! Visit www.sharonjaynes.com

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

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

Judy Harder · February 03, 2009, 07:35:31 AM

February 3, 2009
The Gift of Prayer
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
I Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray continually." (NIV)

Friend To Friend
Even as a baby, our son, Jered, has always loved the outdoors. We lived in sunny South Florida for over twenty years and always enjoyed its climate, which allowed for year around outdoor activities. As a toddler, one of Jered's favorite places to go was the beautiful park across the street from our home. Squirrels scampered along walking trails and ducks dotted a small lake nestled under hundreds of tall oak trees. We had a routine. Each morning after breakfast, while I cleaned up the kitchen, Jered would run to his room, grab his hat, his "cool" Disney sunglasses and push his stroller to the front door. If I was not quite ready to go he would then climb into the stroller and wait -- but just for a minute or two. Babies and toddlers are not known for their patience. At first, Jered would calmly announce his presence and his plan but if I did not respond, his voice would begin to rise in volume and his request would soon turn into a firm request, well on its way to a command. "Mom, let's go!" Guess what? We always went! Sound like your prayer life?

Many of you are great conversationalists. When you meet someone new, you find it easy to talk with them, establishing a relationship within minutes. Others are not so eloquent. You may be a little shy or withdrawn so that when you meet someone new, you touch on a new subject, like testing a hot iron, and you are out of there! Even those who are great at meeting people tend to keep things on a surface level, talking about the weather, kids, jobs, etc. We don't usually start a conversation with, "Hi! It is so good to meet you. Could you tell me how much you weigh?" Everyone knows that is breaking the rules and may result in a sharp, painful blow to the body. We keep the conversation on safe ground until the relationship can handle a deeper level of inquiry.

Sadly, some of us have never gotten past the "safe" level of conversation with God. We thank Him for food, ask Him to heal those who are sick and then proceed to give Him our list of requests and demands. The Father wants so much more than that for us!

While it is a wonderful privilege to share our requests with God, what He really wants is our heart conversation. He wants to know what is going on in your soul -- not because He doesn't already know but because He wants to be with you and interact with you. Praying continually not only means to pray silently, but to pray out loud, talking with Him like you talk with a close friend. Praying out loud involves every sense and solidifies an awareness of His presence. I pray out loud about everything from a parking space to the greatest crisis in my life. I have found that an ongoing conversation with God makes Him more real to me and deepens my relationship with Him. God never meant praying to be a burden but rather the most wonderful privilege of life. Don't miss this precious gift to you from God. He is waiting, listening for your voice!

Let's Pray
Lord, I want to know You more. I truly want my prayer life to be as natural to me as breathing. Help me to learn how to pray, to share everything with You honestly and openly. By faith, I thank You for hearing me and loving me. Thank You for the gift of prayer.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Learn to recognize prayer as a privilege -- not a burden.
Examine honestly your prayer life over the last year. Has it grown and if so, how?
Think back over the last month. What prayers has God answered?
Make the commitment -- right now - to make continual prayer a heart habit.

More From The Girlfriends
One of the most amazing gifts in my life is a group of ladies who are committed to pray for me each and every day -- my Prayer Warriors. When a storm hits, I race to my computer and email them, asking for prayer. They pray for my family, for each speaking engagement and every word of every book I write. There are days when I can hardly get out of bed to face the day and then I remember that they are praying! Prayer really is a gift from God. Some of you may be thinking you don't have the time. I encourage you to join my online bible study, Light for the Journey. Our current topic is "Time: Friend or Foe?" Be sure to check out the free resources available and then drop by our online store. Blessings!

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

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

Judy Harder · February 04, 2009, 07:00:53 AM

February 4, 2009
Homeland Security
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"A capable, intelligent and virtuous woman, who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels, and her value is far above rubies or pearls." (Proverbs 31:10 Amplified Version)

Friend To Friend
After the horrific events of September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush appointed the new cabinet position of Homeland Security. It is defined as the deterrence, prevention, preemption of, and defense against, aggression targeted at United States territory, sovereignty, population, and infrastructure as well as the management of the consequences of such aggression and other domestic emergencies.

In a speech on July 16, 2002, in the Rose Garden, he explained how Homeland Security would deal with the threats of the 21st century in our country. "Our unity is a great weapon in the fight. And by acting together to create a new and single Department of Homeland Security we'll be sending the world a signal that the Congress and the administration will work together to protect the American people and to win the war on terror."

As I read President Bush's description of homeland security and the perilous dangers that threaten our country, I was reminded of the danger that threatens our homes as well. There is a war going on to destroy the God-ordained institution of marriage in this country and around the world. Interestingly, Webster defines marriage as "the institution under which a man and a woman become legally united on a permanent basis." Almost every word of that definition is under attack today. We need our own "homeland security" to establish the deterrence, prevention, preemptions of, and defense against, aggression targeted against our marriages!

For a man to guard his heart usually means he must guard his eyes. For a woman to guard her heart, it means she must guard her emotions. "My coworker really listens to me," Barbara mused. "My friend, Peter, truly cares about my problems," Clare reflected. "Bob at the post office likes me in this red sweater," Mary pondered. Each of these thoughts sets off the "homeland security alarm." Homeland security begins in our own hearts.

Mighty Warrior on Patrol

Homeland security also means that we work to protect our families.

The Proverbs 31 woman has represented an ideal for women throughout the ages. While she intimidates some, all would agree she is a role model worth emulating. Scripture describes her as smart, skillful, thrifty, and strong. She's a good cook, a savvy money manager, a contributor to the community, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a blessed mother, a faithful friend, a loyal wife, and a devotee of God. As Proverbs 31:10 states, "An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels" The New International Version calls her "a wife of noble character." But I personally like the Amplified version that describes her as "a capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman." The Hebrew word that's translated "excellent" or "virtuous" can also mean "wealthy, prosperous, valiant, boldly courageous, powerful, mighty warrior.

She fights Satan on her knees in prayer, she fights her hectic schedule to keep her priorities in proper perspective, and she fights to guard her heart against ungodly influences of the society in which she lives.

In verse 27, we see that the Proverbs 31 woman "watches over the ways of her household," or as another translation states, "she carefully watches all that goes on in her household" (NLT). The phrase "watch over" means to "hedge about as with thorns" as a mother bird might protect her young with the thorny rim of a nest. These same words are also used in the Bible as a military term, such as to watch over a city.

I envision the wife of noble character walking around the wall fortifying her home, fully equipped to take on any enemy that threatens to invade her marriage. But lest we imagine the enemy is always some outside force, I believe the greatest enemy can be what happens in our own hearts and minds.

Homeland security? I believe it begins in our very own hearts and homes.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that you will show me how to protect my home. When something comes before me that I should not see, help me to turn my head, click the delete button, or change the channel. Help me to guard my heart above all else.

I also pray that you will help me to be a mighty prayer warrior for my family. I will stand in the gap for each member of my family, interceding for them by name.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Think about these sentences in today's devotion... "Almost every word of that definition is under attack today. We need our own "homeland security" to establish the deterrence, prevention, and preemptions of, and defense against, aggression targeted against our marriages!" How is the institution of marriage being attacked today?

Have you sensed any of that in your home or your extended family?

What are some ways that you can initiate some "homeland security" in your home?

More From The Girlfriends
One of the best ways we can protects our homes is through prayer. Sharon offers laminated prayer cards with Scripture to pray over children, husbands, and grandchildren. She also has two great resources for homeland security: Becoming the Woman of His Dreams and Being a Great Mom, Raising Great Kids. To read an excerpt, just visit her website.

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