Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

November 6, 2013
God's Power Follows Your Obedience
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him (1 Corinthians 1:27-29, NIV).

Friend to Friend

If God said, "I'm looking for a woman to help accomplish My plans and fulfill My purposes," would you feel qualified? Not many of us would raise our hands shouting, "Pick me, pick me!"

But here's something we must always remember: God doesn't necessarily call the qualified, but He always qualifies the called.

When the angel of the LORD came to call Gideon to be the leader of the Israelite army, Gideon was hiding in a winepress threshing wheat (Judges 6:11-14 NIV). Now you don't thresh wheat in a winepress. You thresh wheat by throwing it up into the open air and letting the chaff blow away and the heavier grain fall to the ground.

So why was Gideon in the winepress? He was hiding. That's right. He was so terrified of his encroaching enemies, he was hiding. And yet, when the angel of the LORD addressed Gideon, he called him a "mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12 NIV). That just tickles me. I imagine Gideon looked to the left and the right and asked, "Are you talking to me?"

God doesn't see as we see. We tend to look at what we can accomplish in our own strength, but God looks at what we can accomplish in His.

Consider this:

Jacob was a deceiver.

Joseph was a brat.

Moses was a stutterer. Sarai was barren.

David was a shepherd.

Rahab was a harlot.

Peter was a fisherman.

Paul was a murderer,.

Mary Magdalene was a transformed demoniac.

The Samaritan woman was a five-time divorcee.

Timothy was timid.

Priscilla was a tent maker.

Even though they might not be who the world would choose to lead a great nation or movement, these were a few of the men and women God chose to fulfill His purposes in their lifetime through His power.

"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him" (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

I don't know about you, but that fits me to a T. And here's even better news, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). And so can you!

Let's Pray

Lord, I don't know why you have chosen me to do mighty works for You, but I do know this: I am not qualified, but You are. Give me strength in my weakness. Give me faith in my fear. Give me power in my powerlessness. I'm trusting You.

In Jesus' name.

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Read Judges chapter 6 and note how God spoke to Gideon's fear. Especially note verses 14 and 16.

What is God saying to you today about what He will do for you? Click over to my Facebook page and join the conversation. Just leaving a comment and typing the words is a step of faith in itself! I'll see you there.

More from the Girlfriends

Sometimes life doesn't turn out like we expected, and sometimes those twists and turns can leave scars in our lives. So what are we going to do about it? I suggest turning that pain into purpose, that hurt into hope, and that mess into a ministry opportunity. Are you ready to do that? Is so, my book, Your Scars are Beautiful to God: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Hurts of Your Past Can Help. Click on the title to read a sample chapter. And while you are on my site, make sure and sign up for my blog packed with more encouragement and inspiration.

[Judy Harder]

November 7, 2013
Weeds and Worry
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20, NCV).

Friend to Friend

When we lived in South Florida, the grass in our yard grew year round. We learned over the years that the best way to deal with weeds was simply to take care of the grass. When grass is healthy, weeds have no space to grow.

When our hearts and lives are filled with praise and thanksgiving, worry is a weed that will die from lack of attention. Why? Because praise acknowledges the very character of God, while thanksgiving recognizes the work of His hand. Together, praise and thanksgiving are powerful weapons against worry and important tools to help us grow.

Many times we feel we have nothing to celebrate. We do not understand the true meaning of praise. Praise comes from a Latin word that means "value" or "worth." So to praise God means to celebrate His worth, His value...His presence. "Sing to God, sing praise to His name, extol Him who rides on the clouds—His name is the Lord—and rejoice before Him" (Psalm 68:4).

Praise and thanksgiving pleases God. Psalm 147:1 "How good it is to sing praise to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!"

Praise and thanksgiving encourage obedience. First Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." It is His will for us to praise Him. Obedience to Him always promotes peace and eliminates worry.

Praise and thanksgiving enhance our awareness of His presence. Psalm 22:3 "But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel" (nkjv). When we praise God, we are enthroning Him in our lives. We are making that fearful circumstance His dwelling place.

Praise and thanksgiving produce trust. Psalm 42:11 asks, "Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I should put my hope in God and keep praising Him, my Savior and my God" (ncv).

Thanksgiving is a deposit on the future. Praise is trusting Him for what He will do and then expecting Him to do it, understanding that today's stumbling blocks are tomorrow's stepping-stones. Praise frees God to work because when we praise Him, we are choosing to trust Him totally, despite the circumstances.

The story is told of a young man who was sitting on a park bench reading his Bible. Suddenly he began to shout. "Praise the Lord! What a miracle!" An older, very distinguished man walking by stopped and asked what he was so excited about. The young man replied, "I was just reading how God parted the Red Sea and the whole nation of Israel walked across on dry ground." The older man sneered, "Don't you know? That wasn't a real sea at all. It was just a few inches of water." He then turned in irritation and walked away, leaving the young man confused and discouraged. But in a few minutes he began to shout again. The unbeliever returned asking, "What are you shouting about now?" "Well, sir, I just read how God drowned the whole Egyptian army in just a few inches of water!"

Don't let anyone keep you from praising God.

Don't let any circumstance deny you the joy of giving thanks.

"I will thank the Lord at all times. My mouth will always praise Him" (Psalm 34:1).

"Because of theLord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentation 3:22-23).

Praise is not optional in a life that wins over worry and doubt. Praise is essential in a journey of faith. It is a demonstration of trust and the acceptance of a circumstance without insisting that God change it. When we choose to praise God, we choose to trust Him. And when we choose to trust God, we will win over worry.

Let's Pray

Father, I come to You today with a sense of helplessness. I am desperate for You, Lord. I need Your strength and power to sustain me because everything seems to be falling apart. I want to be a woman of faith and stand strong when trouble bombards my life but I cannot do it alone. I am afraid and seem to worry about everything. Today, I turn to You and celebrate the truth that You will turn to me and be my refuge.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

When did God take something bad in your life and bring good out of it? Describe that experience. Remember the truth that God is the same yesterday, today and forever and what He did in your past ... He can do today and tomorrow. He is faithful – even when we are faithless.

Read and memorize Psalm 59:16  Choose to sing a new song of praise – no matter what happens today. Record this verse on an index card and keep it with you. When fear and doubt come, meet them with this powerful promise from God.

More from the Girlfriends

Need help? Get Mary's E-Bible Study, How to Find Your Missing Peace, for practical ways to win over worry and experience peace in your life. Check out Mary's weekly online Bible study, Light for the Journey, for practical ways to tap into the power of God's Word. Enroll now and have access to all of the 2013 lessons. Be sure to connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

November 8, 2013
Ashes to Beauty
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth

For I know that my Redeemer lives. (Job 19:25a)

Friend to Friend

God's redemptive grace can restore any life.     

In the beginning, at the very moment that rebellion collided with perfection and invaded the hearts of humanity, God set in motion a plan of redemption. His plan was Jesus, His only Son, who came to redeem us, to save us, to wash us clean from sin. He is an awesome Redeemer, One who gives beauty for ashes, comfort for mourning, and freedom to the shackled. A Savior who imputes His righteousness to the wretched, shines light in the darkest places, and breathes hope into the weariest of souls.

Scripture introduces us to a guy who experienced God's redemption in beautifully deep ways. Job was a good man. I mean a really good man. The Bible says, "This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil" (Job 1:1). He lived life the right way. He honored God, loved his family, and was both faithful and patient. Good man.

You'd think that such a standout guy would pretty much have a cake life, right? So not right. Let me just say this: good-guy Job went through some stuff. Boy, did he go through some stuff. We're talking major big-league stuff. He had it all and then lost it all: his children, his wealth, and his health. Gone. In a blink.

Don't just skim over that last paragraph.

This man lost his children, for goodness' sake!

They died.

All ten of them. At the same time.

I can't even fathom the thought of losing one of my children, let alone all of my children. Shiver. Job knew brokenness on levels that few of us will ever come close to experiencing. He knew ashes. He knew mourning. He knew darkness. He knew weary.

On the front end of the pain, he demonstrated faith. Big faith. He held on to his integrity, accepted his circumstances, and blessed the name of the Lord in spite of the horror he endured. And he worshiped! Can you believe he worshiped?

Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: Naked I came from my mother's womb,

and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.(Job 1:20–22)

Job went through loss after loss, test after test, and friend-with-bad-advice after friend-with-bad-advice who spoke condemnation instead of comfort. All that and his wife wanted him to "curse God and die!" (2:9) Nice. Isn't it amazing how some people can say dumb things that completely misrepresent the heart of God in times of struggle? Oh, friend, let us be women who are quick to comfort and slow to speak advice.

Stepping down from my soapbox...

Job was in anguish (6:2; 7:11). Understandable! He wanted to die because the pain was so unrelenting (6:8–10). He called out to God and asked Him to reveal where he had gone wrong. Then he repented of the sins that he knew he had committed.

Job lamented. Stomped his feet a bit. Got a smidge sassy and frustrated with God. And he wondered if God even cared. Then God answered his complaints, corrected his heart, and set the wheels in motion for one of the most amazing shows of redemption the world has ever seen.

In time God shined light into Job's darkness, spoke gladness to his mourning, and brought beauty to his ashes. He redeemed Job's life from the dark pit of brokenness. Through it all, Job humbly and wholeheartedly worshiped the Lord. Not perfectly, but persistently. Job, who was the first in Scripture to ever call God his Redeemer, did not wait until his suffering had passed. He worshiped God as his Redeemer in the midst of his trials—by faith. Faith that proved well placed. Even though he longed for evidence that God cared, Job clung to the certainty that God was his Redeemer when, in a time of prolonged agony, he confidently said of Him, "For I know that my Redeemer lives" (19:25, ESV).

God also names Himself our Redeemer in Scripture: "Then you will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob" (Isaiah 60:16).

You see? God is all about redemption.

His love for humanity runs deeper than the deepest recesses of our depravity. His love extends farther than your past, higher than your disappointments, wider than your heart wounds, and deeper than a cavernous pit of depression. God's plan of redemption is for every person, no matter where you've been, no matter what you've been through, no matter what you've done.

But, alas, there's a catch.

There's always a catch, right?

The catch is, your redemption has to be personal.           

His grace is for every one of us, but each of us must accept or reject God's redemption plan by accepting or rejecting his Son, Jesus Christ. Redemption begins and ends with Jesus. For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16, NLT)   

Redemption is for me.         

Redemption is for you.         

Do you believe that? Have you made it personal with God?           

Whether you are at work, at home, at the hospital or in a jail cell. He's whispering, "Be still." Whether you are struggling with life strains or are in a season of reprieve. "Be still." Whether you have a house full of crazy-noise or an apartment filled with ordered-quiet. "Be still." Whether the diagnosis is cancer or the sting of betrayal is fresh – whether the hope you cling to resounds or you are weary and unsettled. "Be still." Know that He is God. Know that He is good. Accept that He is able and willing to exchange beauty for your ashes. Call out to Him as your Redeemer.         

Confess your mess before Him.           

Consider His love.         

Then in the stillness, respond from your heart.

Let's Pray

Dear Lord, My Redeemer, I'm here. I'm still. Please reveal anything in my heart that needs restoring. (Pause to listen and reflect.) I confess these sins to You: ________________ and I ask that You remove them as far as the east is from the west. Thanks for capturing me with Your grace once again.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Be still before Him

The noise of life can be so loud. I'm right there with you trying to hit the mute button each day. Failing on many days. One way I've found to center my heart on God is to drown out the world with worship. I just posted a lyric video for my new song, "My Strength, My Song" on my YouTube channel. (CLICK HEREto see the video!) I hope that you will be encouraged by the song – and please share it with someone who can use the encouragement also.

More from the Girlfriends
Did today's redemption message resonate with your heart? Learn how God wants to bring you beyond your past mistakes and your present challenges to His wholeness, strength and beauty. Broken into Beautiful is a book filled with stories – real stories ... gritty and honest, not cleaned up and phony. It's also filled with Scripture that will inspire you toward the life-changing grace of Jesus. To order the book, go to Amazon or, for a signed copy, visit Gwen's website.

Today's GiG devotion is adapted from Knowing God by Name by Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith, & Mary Southerland by permission of Multnomah, division of Random House, Inc.

[Judy Harder]

November 11, 2013
Better or Bitter? You Get to Choose
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

"Don't call me Naomi [which means pleasant]," she told them. "Call me Mara [which means bitter], because the Almighty has made my life very bitter" (Ruth 1:20 NIV).

Friend to Friend

I love the story of Ruth and Naomi. The name Ruth means "woman friend," and we can learn about how to be a great friend by her example. And we can also learn a lot from Naomi, but not necessarily in a good way.         
In a ten-year period, Naomi lost her husband and her two sons. She blamed God for her afflictions, and in one sense, she was correct. God is sovereign and in control of every aspect of our lives.

However, He was not "out to get her." His hand was not "against her" as she claimed. Naomi became very bitter about what had happened to her, so much so that she changed her name to Mara, which means bitter. God never desires for us to become bitter, but longs to use the difficulties of our lives to make us better.

In Jesus' last words to His disciples, He compared their relationship to Him to that of a vine and its branches. He said, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off [lifts up out of the dust] every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful" (John 15:1-2 NIV).

When we experience a loss, it can feel like God's giant gardening shears have lopped off part of our lives that seems vital to our existence. However, His desire is for us to bear as much fruit as possible, not become stunted by bitterness. Bruce Wilkerson, in his book Secrets of the Vine, notes, "God isn't trying to just take away; He's faithfully at work to make room to add strength, productivity, and spiritual power in your life. His goal is to bring you closer to the 'perfect and complete' image of Christ."

He goes on to say, "Not every painful experience is the result of pruning. Is your heart breaking because your teenager is experimenting with drugs and sex? God did not cause your son to do these things in order to prune you. Are you suddenly facing a future with diabetes or cancer? God isn't purposefully constraining your life just to see how you'll react. Yet every trial you face is an opportunity to let Him work in your life for abundance. If you invite Him into your circumstances, He will keep His promise to work everything together for your good (Romans 8:28)."

Have you noticed the only difference between the words bitter and better is the letter i? When we stop focusing on the not-so-mighty "me, myself, and I," and start focusing on the almighty God, then we will begin to see our difficulties through the lens of God's perfect and perfecting plan. If He prunes away a dream, it is only because He has a greater dream in store that will produce more and better fruit.

Let's Pray

Dear Lord, please forgive me for allowing bitterness to creep into my heart when life hasn't turned out like I thought it would. I pray You will use every disappointment in my life for good. Show me how to use my struggles to make me better, and not allow my difficulties to make me bitter. I know I have a choice. Help me choose the right one.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Read the book of Ruth and discover how God turned Naomi's bitterness into joy. It's only four chapters and I can promise you will be blessed!

What do you find amazing in Ruth 2:3. Some translations say, "It just so happened." Another says, "As it turned out." Oh friend, "It just so happened," never happens in God's sovereignty. God so happened!

If you will determine to not allow your circumstances to make you bitter, but pray that God will use them to make you better, click over to my Facebook page and say, "I refuse to be bitter. I am determined to be better!"

Want More?

Sometimes life doesn't turn out like we expected, and sometimes those twists and turns can leave scars in our lives. So what are we going to do about it? I suggest turning that pain into purpose, that hurt into hope, and that mess into a ministry opportunity. Are you ready to do that? Is so, my book, Your Scars are Beautiful to God: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Hurts of Your Past Can Help. Click on the title to read a sample chapter. And while you are on my site, make sure and sign up for my blog packed with more encouragement and inspiration.

[Judy Harder]

November 12, 2013
Are You an Encourager?
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

Encourage them with great patience (2 Timothy 4:2, NCV). 

Friend to Friend

Encouragement takes persistence. Persistence takes patience. Just because you have encouraged someone once does not mean that your role of encouragement in his or her life is over. They did not become discouraged overnight, and they will not often become re-encouraged overnight.

My husband Dan began making wooden furniture many 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," he said.

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.

2 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.

When our daughter Danna first played softball, her coaches were her dad and Garland Robertson, our youth pastor. Our son 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.

Encouragement stays 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." 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. Ecclesiastes 4:12 is 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."

We all need the closeness of relationship. We all need to know we are loved. We all need encouragement. Staying close to those who need you brings them encouragement.

Encouragement is a daily thing. "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.

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?

When Danna was a little girl, she loved to color in one particular art book. It had several pages that were special, but one 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 Danna 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. Be an encourager.

Let's Pray

Father, I come, asking You to teach me how to be an encouragement to those around me. Help me to see those who are hurting. Don't let me miss the broken hearts that cross my path. Give me the wisdom and love to be "God with skin on" to the people in my world.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Who is coming to your house for Thanksgiving? I'm sure they will all leave with full stomachs, but what about their hearts? Will their hungry hearts be fed by your love and encouragement? Today, begin praying for ways to encourage each one – especially the ones who are hard to love.

[Judy Harder]

November 13, 2013
God is not in the Coincidence Business
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28, NIV).

Friend to Friend

I've already mentioned this week how much I love the book of Ruth. Divine providence is behind every twist and turn in the story of Ruth—the famine that led the family to Moab, the marriages to Moabite women, the deaths of Elimelech and Naomi's two sons, the lifting of the famine in Bethlehem, Naomi's return to her homeland, Ruth's gleaning in Boaz's field, Boaz's notice of Ruth, the refusal of the next in line to be Ruth's kinsmen-redeemer, and Boaz and Ruth's subsequent marriage. The string of events are strung like pearls on the thread of God's providence and secured in place with the knot of His love.

Have you ever noticed such a stringing of events in your own life? My friend, Gayle, experienced one particular series of events that were most definitely orchestrated by God. She started having trouble with her knees in her early thirties. Chronic pain in her right knee sent her to the doctor's office on a regular basis for cortisone injections. Because Gayle's mother had joint pain in her knees for most of her adult life, Gayle resolved herself to the same fate—arthritis. The doctors never X-rayed or performed an MRI to diagnose the problem but prescribed treatment according to symptoms and a family history of joint pain.

One night, after five years of cortisone injections, Gayle, her husband Joe, and another couple attended their college alma mater basketball game. On the way home, Gayle twisted around in her front seat to face the couple in the back. As they chatted, she noticed an 18-wheel semi-trailer truck's headlights rapidly approaching their car. Surely he's going to stop, she thought. But before she could even warn the other passengers, the truck plowed into the back of their car at 55 miles per hour. Because of Gayle's position, her knees were smashed into the dashboard.

The driver of the truck had fallen asleep at the wheel and never even applied the brakes before impact. Gayle and Joe's car, a heavy Lincoln Continental, was totaled, but no one in the car was hurt except Gayle. Her knees were black, blue, and swollen within a couple of hours.

When Gayle went to the doctor the next day, he decided to take an x-ray to make sure there were no broken bones. "Gayle," he said, "I don't know how to tell you this, but you have a slow growing tumor in your right knee."

"A tumor? How long has it been there?" she asked.

"Well, this is a very slow growing type of tumor which has probably been there for several years. The pain that you've been experiencing in the past has most likely not been due to arthritis, but due to the tumor causing the bone to expand as it grows. We're going to have to remove it right away."

"I can't do it right away," she answered. "I have a two-week counseling course that I'm going to next week. I've been on the waiting list for two years, so this tumor is going to have to wait. You did say it was slow-growing, correct?"

"Yes," he answered, "but I wouldn't wait a day longer than necessary. You are a very lucky, young lady. If you had not been in that car accident, we may have not found the tumor until it was too late."

Gayle smiled. Luck had nothing to do with it. God was in control.

Gayle did go on the counseling seminar. On the last night, 750 committed Christians gathered around her and prayed for her knee. The next day, when the doctor went in to remove the tumor, he was amazed to find that this slow-growing tumor had rapidly begun to shrink.

"Once again," the doctor said as he showed Gayle the new pre-op X-ray of a much smaller tumor, "you are a lucky girl. The tumor was smaller today than it was two weeks ago."

Once again, Gayle knew luck had nothing to do with it. She then shared with the doctor about the 750 people who had prayed for her the night before.

Many times when something seemingly bad happens in our lives, we need to remember that God is the director of the drama.

We may not understand the "whys" or the "what-fors" but we can trust in the God who controls it all.

Kathy Collard Miller said it so well: "Nothing that happens to the child of God is a coincidence, and when we look at every situation and encounter as God-directed, we will more easily fulfill His plan. This knowledge should also make each of us feel needed, valuable, and important: We are fulfilling God's purposes for His kingdom."

Just when it looks life has spun out of control, God stops the spin, picks up the broken pieces, and creates a beautiful mosaic—a work of art which He had planned all along.

Let's Pray

Lord, I am so thankful that there are no coincidences in my life, but only God-incidences. Open my eyes to see You at work. Don't let me miss Your fingerprints on the pages of my days.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Scan Ruth chapter 2 and see how many God-incidences you can find.

Can you think of a time when what seemed like a coincidence turned out to be God working in your life?

Can you think of a time when something that seemed bad at the time turned out to be something good?

[Judy Harder]

November 14, 2013
I Can't Wike It
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Friend to Friend

I love being a grandmother. I absolutely adore our five grandchildren and work hard at finding any excuse to spend time with them. I am convinced that our grandkids keep me young and are some of my greatest teachers. Maybe that is because they are so "fresh" from Heaven and the presence of God. Whatever the reason, when I spend time with them, I always come away with new truth.

I visited our son and daughter-in-law in Charlotte, North Carolina because three of our five grandchildren live with them. Two of the three are twins. As you can imagine, life is anything but dull as Jered and Jodi try to keep up with five-year-old Lelia, a vivacious little bundle of energy with bouncy blonde curls, blue eyes, and a killer smile, and her twin brother, Jaydan, whose blue eyes and dimples could charm the warts right off a frog. Some of the things they say are not only hilarious, but wonderfully profound as well.

It was late. Jered was getting the kids ready for bed while Jodi and I enjoyed some uninterrupted "girl time" together. We met at the kitchen island and decided that a snack was in order. Jodi grabbed the crackers out of the pantry while I fished the pimento cheese and grapes out of the refrigerator. So it began - the ritualistic gab session of two women simply catching up on life.

As we talked and laughed, Jaydan wandered in for bedtime hugs and kisses and a reason to delay going to bed. Spotting our food, he quickly pleaded, "Mimi, I need a snicky-snack." Being the wonderful mother-in-law that I am, I quickly looked at Jodi who nodded her approval before asking Jaydan what he would like to eat. Pointing at the pimento cheese and crackers on the kitchen island, he said, "I want that!" Jaydan had never eaten Triscuits or pimento cheese, but obviously thought it was high time that he did.

Jodi lifted Jaydan into a chair, pulled it up to the island and handed him a cracker. Jaydan took a small bite, and with a grin and an appreciative smack, gave his serious five-year-old approval. "Mmm...good!" he said. Next on his late-night menu was the pimento cheese. He tentatively dipped one corner of his cracker into the cheese, raised the cracker to his mouth and inspected it closely. He then bravely took his very first bite ever of pimento cheese. It was a momentous occasion indeed.

Jodi and I watched carefully for any reaction. None came. Jaydan once again eyed the cracker, dipped it into the pimento cheese, and this time, he came up with an impressive lump of cheese clinging to the now soggy and slightly limp cracker. Turning the concoction over in his little hand, my brave grandson closely inspected the gooey, yellow substance one more time before slowly easing the cracker into his mouth, taking a big bite. Jaydan's eyes widened and promptly filled with tears. He quickly spit out the obviously disgusting mixture and vigorously shook his head. A pair of beautiful but now accusing blue eyes met ours. Jodi and I were really trying not to laugh - which only made things worse.

Jaydan was obviously disappointed in both his grandmother and mother, who were supposed to protect him from things like pimento cheese. Jaydan sent the silent but crystal clear message that the very existence of pimento cheese was somehow our fault. He then ceremoniously wiped the back of his little hand across his mouth and firmly announced, "No! I can't wike it!" Translation: Jaydan Scott Southerland does not like pimento cheese at all! And judging from the look he leveled at us as he sauntered out of the room, that was definitely his final answer!

I sometimes feel that way about life. I don't like it when things aren't going my way and I am faced with a problem I cannot solve or a person I find hard to love.

When I was molested, I didn't like it.

When my mother died after years of battling cancer, I didn't like it.

When my husband went into cardiac arrest and almost died, I didn't like it.

When I found myself battling clinical depression, I didn't like it!

I could go on, but you get the idea.

Sometimes, life just stinks!

What then?

For years, I simply plastered a fake but very religious smile on my face and pretended that I was strong enough to withstand whatever storm I was facing at the time. That strategy seemed to work for a while, but then the pain and helplessness would suddenly wash over me like a tidal wave, bringing me to my knees. I was afraid to share my pain and fear with anyone because then they would see me for what I really am – mortal.

Over the years, I have learned some important truths about pain and its purpose in my life. God is not committed to my comfort, but He is committed to my character. I need to let God be God in my life and choose to trust Him – no matter what. I need to put my feelings in their place and choose to believe God's Word instead. Even when I can't see the end of the journey, I need to be willing to take the first step in faith. I may not always understand or even like God's plan, but I can trust His heart and know it is for my good.

So the next time you have more questions than answers, more fears than faith, or more darkness than light, remember the truth that God really is in control. No matter what you are facing, God's got it!

Let's Pray

Father, I love You! I may not always understand or like how You work in my life, but I want to grow to the place where I trust You anyway. Please help me learn how to walk by faith ... not by sight. When the hard times come, teach me to trust You fully.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Pour out your heart to your God, asking Him to uncover the dark places in your life. As He does, record them in your journal in simple, honest words. Each day this week, read aloud Psalm 40:1-3 and claim it as a certain hope from God's heart to yours.

More from the Girlfriends

Need help? Get Mary's MP3, Strength for the Storm, to learn how to stand firm, even when your life is filled with storms. Check out Mary's weekly online Bible study, Light for the Journey, for practical ways to tap into the power of God's Word. Enroll now and have access to all of the 2013 lessons. Be sure to connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

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

[Judy Harder]

November 15, 2013
What's Your Ultimate?
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth

I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. (Psalm 57:2, ESV)

Friend to Friend

My heart plays ping-pong. It shifts focus from one affection to another faster than you can say, "Squirrel!" I have never been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD – or any other condition with scary capitol letters – but I've surely been known to major on some minors in my day. Practically every day. I worry about things that don't really matter... at least not eternally.

            The other day started out great. In the wee hours of early, I poured some hot coffee, grabbed my prayer journal and my Bible, and headed to the couch to spend time with God. My heart spilled with worship as I fixed my affections on Him. I was prepared to start my day. Fueled and focused.

            A while later, my son came downstairs ready for school. We exchanged tender morning greetings and hugs as he grabbed a bowl for cereal. But when he sat down to eat, I realized that he was wearing two different socks. As he ate his breakfast, I tried to lovingly influence him toward a matching pair... to no avail. Hmmph! When he left for the bus stop, I was horrified, so I lamented. Where have I gone wrong with this child? Why does his 13-year old brain not think it is inappropriate to wear un-matching socks? What will people think? Surely the teachers will have a juicy gossip session in the lunchroom about how awful and inadequate I am as a mother because my "it's-all-good" child went to school with two different socks!

            AS IF it matters.

            Ping. Pong.

            My heart can turn on a dime. One moment it is fixed on the Lord and the next it prioritizes drama. Does God care if my son's socks match? I'm thinking No. Is it okay to want my children to wear matching socks? Yes. Surely I can speak into a practical matter, but the way I respond matters more – especially if things don't go my way. Let it go, already.

            I really do need to let it go.

            I need to let a lot of things go. I need to let go of reactions, emotions, activities or thoughts that don't honor God. He wants to be our top priority! That's why we were created. To love him above all things. He wants the details, activities and decisions of our lives to be prioritized around Him - not just our Sunday mornings and major decisions... but our every morning and our every decision. We must look to Him as our desire – our ultimate – our obsession. Then the rest of life falls into place.

            God is El Elyon. This Hebrew term for God can be translated two ways: the Most High God or God Most High. Either way, they mean the same thing: He is to be preeminent in our lives. He is supreme. There is nothing above Him or beyond Him.

            In her book Obsessed, author and speaker Hayley DiMarco said it this way, "If you claim two obsessions, then you are not truly obsessed with both. No one is obsessed part time."

            God is jealous for us.

            He wants us to be obsessed with Him and Him alone.         

            God becomes El Elyon to us when our affections for Him and His ways are prioritized above all else. The Lord wants us to be focused worshipers. To have hearts that look to Him and His strength; seeking His face always. (Psalm 105:4) One of my favorite things about the Psalms is that they are honest. Refreshingly so. Like the psalmist, we need to allow God to filter our responses.

            I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.

                        (Psalm 57:2, ESV)

            I'm so encouraged by what Scripture says here: when I cry out to God and make Him my ultimate, He fulfills His purpose for me. Yes, please! That's what I want. His purpose – not mine. More of Him – less of me. You see, we don't have to try to find our happiness and purpose in other things. When we prioritize God and put Him as God Most High in our lives, He fulfills us in a way that none of these other things can!

            A.W. Tozer wrote, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." He also listed off these telling "Rules for Self Discovery":

1. What we want most;

2. What we think about most;

3. How we use our money;

4. What we do with our leisure time;

5. The company we enjoy;

6. Who and what we admire;

7. What we laugh at.

            Tozer summed it up beautifully: all of life needs to be filtered through our constant thoughts and yielding to our Most High God.

            How can this be practical in our lives? What does El Elyon mean to your worries? Do you obsess about them? If you compare your fears to El Elyon, the Pinnacle of existence, do they still look so big? What does El Elyon mean to your busy life, your weight loss goals or your desire to please others? Which master leads? Are you more concerned about pleasing man or pleasing God?

            This is where the rubber meets the roads.

            Where your ping meet your pong.

            You must choose what, or who, will be Most High in your life.

            The psalmist chose what is best as he sang to El Elyon, "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High." (Psalm 9:2)

            Will you allow Him to be your El Elyon?

Let's Pray

Dear Lord, El Elyon, I really want to get this one! Help me to place You above all and before all. Show me what that looks like in the midst of my drama. Help me to yield to You when I want to take control. Be my Everything.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Spend a moment in prayer about the things that distract you from prioritizing God above all and before all.
Let's take the conversation deeper: swing by my blog or my Facebook page and tell me how today's devotion relates to your life?
More from the Girlfriends

I love this name of God so much that I co-wrote a song about it called El Elyon with my friend, Dave Clark. Click here to hear the song!

Today's GiG devotion is adapted from Knowing God by Name by Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith, & Mary Southerland by permission of Multnomah, division of Random House, Inc. This is the perfect book for individual study or for gathering a group of friends in what we call GiG Groups. With impactful devotions, study questions, journal pages, and free on-line video intros, this book is a resource you'll refer to time-and-time again.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Obsessed, Breaking Free From the Things That Consume You. ©2012 by Hungry Planet(Published by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

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










 
             
   

[Judy Harder]

November 18, 2013
God Has Big Dreams For You
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

"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).

Friend to Friend

I love the story of Esther in the Bible. She is definitely one of my girlfriends in God! I can't wait to give her a big hug. Let's think about her a moment today.

Can you imagine what young Esther, a girl without mother or father, would have thought if someone had come up to her at the market while gathering produce for her cousin and told her that she was going to be the next queen of Persia? That she would save her people from annihilation? I imagine she would have laughed or run for cover from the lunatic making such a prediction. But God had a plan. He took a lonely orphan girl and used her to rescue the Jewish nation.

If someone had come to me in my teen years and told me that I would be spreading the gospel through an international radio program, speaking at women's conferences, and authoring several books, I would have quickly informed them that they had a serious case of mistaken identity.

My voice is too Southern, my confidence was too shattered, and my brain is wired for math and science. As a matter of fact, when God did begin opening doors for ministry, I reminded Him of all my shortcomings and why He had the wrong girl for the job. But as I began to take those first baby steps of obedience, He began to show me glimpses of His great plan.

Our dreams are always too small when compared to the magnificent dreams God has planned for His girls. While God has probably not called you to save an entire nation from destruction, He has called you to be a woman He can use. Missionary Amy Carmichael wrote, "Often his call is to follow in paths we would not have chosen."

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Whether God is calling you to be a catalyst for saving someone from physical death or being a catalyst for saving someone from spiritual separation from God, when you move forward in obedience, empowered by His strength, bolstered by His power, and confident in His provision, you will see Him accomplish great and mighty works through you.

How marvelous that He allows us to participate and be the hands and feet through which He works.

"For we are God's workmanship," Paul reminds us, "created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10). God created Esther for a purpose, just as He has created you and me for a purpose..."for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14 NIV).

Let's Pray

Lord, I am wide open to receive Your instruction. I know that You have created me with a purpose and a plan in mind. My greatest purpose is to glorify You in all that I do. Help me to pay attention when You send me on assignment, and help me not miss it. I know I was born for such a time as this.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Take some time and read the first four chapters of the book of Esther this week. God's name isn't mentioned, but sleuth for His fingerprints all throughout the story.

If you are willing to be an Esther and believe that YOU were born for such a time as this, click over to my Facebook page and say, "I'm ready to do whatever God has for me to do." And if you haven't done so, click "like" and join the fun!

More from the Girlfriends

Looking to discover God's plan for your life? Then check out my book The 5 Dreams of Every Woman...and How God Longs to Fulfill Them. You'll read about Sarah who interfered with God's dream, Naomi who forgot God's dreams, and Esther who accomplished God's dreams. If you are ready to place your hand in God's and go to the exciting place He has for you, then this book is for you! Come on! Let's dream again!

And while you're on my website, don't forget to sign up for blog posts to come right to your email box!

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]

November 19, 2013
The Sandpaper People are Coming!
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:27-28).

Friend to Friend

I sometimes think that the holiday season should somehow come with a warning label that reads, "The Sandpaper People are coming!" Holidays usher in many things – one of which is the opportunity to deal with the difficult people in our lives. The relative that irritated you last Thanksgiving may very well do the same exasperating things this year. The people waiting in line with you will most likely be impatient and grumpy, and the person checking you out will probably be exhausted and running on fumes. Now is the time to get ready to deal with your sandpaper people – the people who rub you the wrong way. 

God created us with the capacity for strong emotions. Like any gift from God, our emotions can be used for good or they can be misused for bad. Sandpaper people not only have an uncanny knack for knowing where emotional buttons are located, they honestly think it is their purpose in life to push every single one of them. Our first reaction to the incessant and calculated button pushing of a sandpaper person is usually angry retaliation, a response that neither honors nor pleases God. God calls us to a peaceful resolution. When it comes to difficult relationships, God does not want or expect us to declare war. We are to control our emotions instead of allowing them to control us. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:18, "As much as is possible, live peaceably with all men." In other words, we need to set our mind on peace – not winning.     

God's wants us to wage peace in every relationship – including the roughest, most abrasive, anger producing sandpaper people who come our way. A formidable task, since every sandpaper person I have ever known comes complete with a set agenda that targets emotional eruptions and creates constant relationships upheavals. Have you noticed how sandpaper people seem to love drama and create it everywhere they go? They also love a good fight, live to evoke angry reactions and are fierce warriors who are determined to win every battle initiated by their downright irritating personalities.

I have learned an important maneuver for dealing with difficult people. Combat is impossible when one of the parties involved has laid down his or her weapons and chosen peace.

As I headed to the grocery store for my dreaded weekly shopping trip, I wrestled with my attitude. You have to understand that I absolutely hate grocery shopping, but on this particular morning, I vowed to choose joy, and turned my focus to the balmy Florida day before me. I had it all under control – until I pulled into the grocery store parking lot.

It seemed like every South Florida resident was in that parking lot frantically searching for a parking space – and they were not happy. After circling several times, I spotted an empty spot right by the entrance. God does answer prayer.

I made a beeline for "my" parking space. Just as I turned to pull in, an older lady boldly stepped into that prized space and with great ceremony, held up her left hand, signaling me to stop right where I was. With her right hand, this self-imposed traffic director began motioning to a man I assumed was her husband as he circled the parking lot in his very large car.

I suddenly realized that she was saving "my" spot for him. Of all the nerve! What incredible gall!

Parking spaces are a serious matter to me. Evidently, I was not the only one who felt that way. In the midst of my simmering, soon-to-explode anger, this still small voice reminded me that I had a choice to make. I really hated surrendering my anger to God, but the thought of apologizing to that woman for running over her with my car was more than my mind could conceive or my stomach could handle. I quickly decided that if she was willing to risk her life for a grocery store parking space, she deserved to have it.

Unfortunately, the driver behind me did not agree, and whipped her car into the prized space just in front of the man in his large car, barely missing the woman who was saving the space. I decided to watch the scene unfold – or explode. Crude gestures and loud, repulsive words filled the air. Some I understood. Some I had never heard and did not care to define. Threats were exchanged along with promises of retribution.

The whole experience was an ugly reminder that we live in a world filled with angry people who are constantly rubbing each other the wrong way. Sandpaper people. And while it is true that everyone gets angry from time to time, it is just as true that everyone can learn to effectively control and manage his or her anger.

When dealing with a sandpaper person, we must not allow ourselves to become the enemy. As you get ready for Thanksgiving Day, remember to prepare your heart as well to love the hard-to-love people that come your way.

Let's Pray

Father, I am so thankful that You love me – rough edges and all. Please help me to love others in the same way.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now it's Your Turn

Who are the difficult people in your life?

In what way(s) do they irritate you?

What can you do to avoid a difficult situation with the sandpaper people in your life?

Ask God to let you see those difficult people as He sees them – through eyes of love.

More from the Girlfriends

I can almost hear you saying "What? I'm supposed to ask God to bless this person who is so hard to love?" Yes. Luke 6:28 tells us that we are to bless those who curse us and pray for those who mistreat us. God always honors obedience.

If you are like me, you need a lot of help loving the sandpaper people in your life. That is why I wrote the book, Sandpaper People. It is filled with practical ways to love those difficult people and help you develop healthier relationships. Check it out in my online store. It is also available on CD and as MP3 download.

Join women from across the world in Mary's Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. If you enroll now, you will also have access to all of the 2013 studies. But hurry! This offer ends December 1. And be sure to connect with Maryon Facebook or through email.