Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

September 3, 2009
An Incredible Gift
Sharon Jaynes

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

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

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

How will we use this incredible gift from God?  Will we use words to bring life or death?  Encouragement or discouragement?  Let's pay particular attention to the words we speak and use our words to speak life into the people in our little part of the world today.

A careless word may kindle strife;
A cruel word may wreck a life.
A bitter word may hate instill;
A brutal word may smite and kill.
A gracious word may smooth the way;
A joyous word may light the day.
A timely word may lessen stress;
A loving word may heal and bless.
(Author Unknown)

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

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To comment on today's devotion, visit www.sharonjaynes.com/blog.  You can read other Girlfriend's comments as well!

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

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


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

[Judy Harder]

September 4, 2009
Let The Adventure Begin
Lori Fairchild

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

Today's Truth 

1 Corinthians 1:7 "Just think--you don't need a thing, you've got it all!  All God's gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale.  And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus.  God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus.  He will never give up on you. Never forget that" (NCV).

Friend To Friend
My 6-year-old daughter Carolyn and I had a busy day planned.  I was getting ready while she played.  When it came time to do her hair, she appeared - dressed in jewelry, pink sunglasses and a pink purse.

Now this might seem like normal, cute behavior for most 6-year-old girls, but I can count on one hand the number of times my daughter has voluntarily dressed up in pink anything.  She has never been interested in princesses and pretty dresses and would rather wield a light saber than a princess wand. After seeing her dressed up, I picked my jaw up off the floor and we had this conversation:

Me: You look beautiful. Are you a rock star?

Carolyn: No, I'm a princess!

Me: Are you going to a ball?

Carolyn: Actually, I'm just pretending to be a princess. I need to trick the castle guard, so I can break into the castle and kill the evil king and rescue the real princess.

While this response was typical Carolyn and caused me to nearly fall down laughing, it also made me think.  Carolyn always wants to have an adventure.  While other girls are pretending to be mommies and princesses, Carolyn is figuring out how to be the hero.  While women come in all shapes, sizes and temperaments, like Carolyn, we all long for a really great adventure and the chance to make a difference.

As Christian women, we sometimes think that an adventure is outside what God has planned for us. We have this view of the "perfect" woman who can recite scripture, has perfect children, can make pie from scratch, always has a clean house and sings like an angel in the church choir.  We don't really think God has any life-changing adventures in mind for us.

Somewhere along the way, we've lost sight of the women God has used to accomplish His perfect plan.  The women in the Bible were all on a great adventure with God.  They were bold and willing to be used by God.  Ruth, Rahab and Esther all stepped out in faith and God used them in a mighty way. If you don't think stepping into the king's chamber, knowing it could mean death was an adventure for Esther - think again. Think about Mary, Jesus' mother. Here she was, a young girl who had her life mapped out. She was going to be the wife of a carpenter and settle into a traditional life for a girl of that time. But God had other plans and sent her on a great adventure - one that would stretch her faith and leave her wondering how her life had changed so drastically.

Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that He came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Abundant life doesn't tie us to some convoluted vision we have of the "perfect" Christian woman. Abundant life is full of adventure and making a difference. God wants us to go on a great adventure with Him.  A relationship with God is a great adventure.

I guarantee that if you truly step into an intimate relationship with God, you will experience more adventure than you have ever known. God will ask you to do things you never thought you could do and may ask you to give up some things you didn't think you could live without.  However, He will offer you a relationship with Him and fill your life with blessings beyond your wildest imaginings.  Sometimes it's not easy, but it is worth it.

So, pick up your taste for adventure and step into a relationship with God where you are ready for whatever adventure He has for you.

Let's Pray
Father, thank You for the great adventure of knowing You and walking with You.  I praise You for the abundant life you have given me and for the amazing promise of all that is to come because I know You and have surrendered my life to You.  Lord, I pray that others will see in me the exciting and full life only You can provide.  I don't want to settle for anything less than Your perfect plan for my life.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn 

What does "stepping out in faith" mean in your life?   
Would you consider yourself to be a woman of faith?  Would your friends and family agree?   
Think back over the past month and list the adventures of faith you have experienced. Praise God for His faithfulness and provision in each one. 
Read and memorize Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." 

More From The Girlfriends
Remember the last time you and your family went on vacation or planned a special outing.  Part of the excitement was in the planning, wasn't it?  I have a challenge for you.  Make the commitment to get up each day this week - anticipating an adventure with God.  Seek Him.  Look for His hand at work in your life.  Let the adventure begin!

Need encouragement?  Check out Mary's weekly online bible study, Light for the Journey where you will find practical and powerful tools for daily living.  Looking for resources to help you grow in Christ?  Visit Mary's online store for a great selection of books, CDs, MP3 downloads, E-Bible Studies and more!

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


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

[Judy Harder]

September 7, 2009
A Powerful Force
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Life and death are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21NIV). 

Friend To Friend
I've always been amazed at the power restrained in a tiny atom too small to be seen by the naked eye.  Fission, (splitting the tiny nucleus of an atom), or fusion, (joining nuclei together), have the potential to generate enough power to provide energy for an entire city or enough destructive potential to level an entire town.  It all depends on how and when the joining together or splitting apart takes place.

So it is with our words.  Bound in one small group of muscles called the tongue lies an instrument with magnanimous potential for good or evil, to build up or to tear down, to empower or devour, to heal or to hurt.  It all depends on how and when the joining together and splitting apart takes place. Our words can make or break a marriage, paralyze or propel a friend, seam together or tear apart a relationship, build up or bury a dream, curse God or confess Christ. With our tongues we defend or destroy, heal or kill, cheer or churn. And we, as women, seem to be most talented at deciding when and where to wield this tiny sword.

Just as God used words to create physical life, our words can be the spark to generate spiritual life.  Paul taught, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved" (Romans 10:9 emphasis added).  Wow!  It is with our mouth that we are saved.  That is radical responsibility.  That is potently powerful.

In the Bible, the book of James paints a poignant picture of the power of our words.

"When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.  Or take ships as an example.  Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.  Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.  Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.  The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.  It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell" (James 3:3-6 emphasis added).

On average, 4.3 million acres of forests are destroyed by wildfires each year in the United States.  In 2000, nearly 123,000 separate fires destroyed 8.5 million acres of forest.  About half are destroyed by natural causes such as lightening strikes, and the rest are caused by the carelessness of mankind.  While forest fires leave naked trees and barren hillsides that take years to revive, lives singed by fiery words can be laid bare forever.  We would never carelessly fling a lit match out of a car window while passing a national forest, and yet, many times we carelessly toss fiery words about as we pass through life.

The writer of Proverbs notes, "Life and death are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21).  Of all the spiritual disciplines, I believe that bringing our tongues under the submission of the Holy Spirit is one of the greatest.  Why?  Because through our words we bring life and through our words we bring destruction. They lead us into tranquil waters or take us out to the stormy seas.

There is a story told about Xanthus the philosopher. He once told his servant he was going to have some friends for dinner the following evening and instructed him get the best thing he could find in the market.  When the philosopher and his guests sat down the next day at the table, they had nothing but tongue - four or five courses of tongue cooked in various ways.  The philosopher finally lost his patience and said to his servant, "Didn't I tell you to get the best thing in the market?"  The servant said, "I did get the best thing in the market.  Isn't the tongue the organ of sociability, the organ of eloquence, the organ of kindness, the organ of worship?"

Then Xanthus said, "Tomorrow I want you to get the worst thing in the market."  The next day when the philosopher sat at the table, there was nothing but tongue-four or five courses of tongue-tongue in this shape and tongue in that shape.  The philosopher lost his patience again and said, "Didn't I tell you to get the worst thing in the market?"  The servant replied, "I did; for isn't the tongue the organ of blasphemy, the organ of defamation, the organ of lying?"

I have never eaten tongue before, but I have had to eat my words.  While words are one of God's most incredible gifts, in the wrong hands (or the wrong mouths) they possess destructive potential.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, help me choose my words wisely, for tomorrow I may have to eat them.  Help me speak life into those around me today- to be a source of encouragement rather than discouragement, of hope rather than hurt, and of love rather than pain.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
At the end of today, make of list of 10 ways you encouraged someone with your words.

What was their reaction to those words?

How did you feel about yourself when you encouraged someone else with your words?

To comment on today's devotion, visit www.sharonjaynes.com/blog . Here you can read others' comments as well.

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

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


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

[Judy Harder]

September 8, 2009
The Grace Factor
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
I have a good friend whose granddaughter is a constant source of delight and humor in her life.  Ellie is an adorable and extremely bright toddler who, like most toddlers, has very definite ideas about almost everything.  Ellie also loves Jesus and often says the blessing at family meals.  One night, the family was seated around the dinner table when Ellie's sweet voice began, "God is great.  God is good.  Let us thank Him for our food.  By His hand we all are fed. Give us, Lord, our daily bread." There was a slight pause, after which Ellie smiled and added, "That's all!"  She's right!  God is enough and He is all we need. 

In this world, there are few certainties. God is one. His promises are true and we can wholly trust Him to keep His Word and to do exactly what He promises to do.  In Psalm 40:1-3, God promises to free us from the pits of life, to direct and restore us - and then invites us to join Him in Kingdom work.  In other words, He promises grace for the journey. 

Ah, there is that word again - grace. I am amazed when I think about the price tag dangling from the gift of grace. Grace cost God His son and Jesus His very life. When Jesus came to earth as man, He came as a living, fleshed-out illustration of grace. 

Grace allows us to take a "long look" at life, keeping our glance on circumstances and our gaze on the Lord of the circumstances. Grace pursues us and loves us, even when we run and reject God's love. Grace heals the wounded heart and saves the broken soul. God is drawn to brokenness and delights in healing. 

What an amazing truth, that God turns first to the broken. Psalm 40:1 says "He turned to me." Notice this passage doesn't say that David, the author, turned to God.  I don't think David could turn to God! Have you ever felt that way - empty and exhausted and without hope? 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 of my battle with clinical depression, I continually questioned God, flinging 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 I cried and out of those tears and brokenness has come the most effective and powerful chapter of my life!  I have discovered that the more we are broken, the more we are used - because of grace. 

You can count on God. You can credit His grace to your life account! We are trophies of God's grace and we can count on him!

Now It's Your Turn

·         Recognize and accept the truth that the only source of true forgiveness and complete restoration is God. 

·         What areas of your life need His restoration power?

·         What steps do you need to take in order for God to work in your life?  List each step in your journal.  Pray about each step and then take action.  Remember, God is more interested in what you do that what you know.  Step out in faith.  He will meet you there.

Mercy is when we don't get what we deserve. Justice is when we get what we do deserve but grace is when we get what we do not deserve.

Think about the above statements and compare them to your own definition of grace. Have there been specific times when you sensed the work of grace in your life?  Reflect on those times.  Record them in your journal.   

Let's Pray
Father, I celebrate the truth that You are a God of grace and that You love me unconditionally. Help me to see Your hand of grace at work in my life.  I surrender myself to You and ask that You shape and form me into the image of Your son, Jesus.  I want to be like him, Lord.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

More From The Girlfriends
Everything changes when you factor in the grace of God. I love the words of the old hymn that describe God's grace. "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.  I once was lost but now am found.  Was blind but now I see."  God's grace provides purpose and direction and gives us an eternal life perspective.  Today, revisit the time when you surrendered your heart and life to Christ and first experienced the grace of God - and celebrate! If you have never made that decision, today is the day.  He is waiting to pour out His grace in your life. 

Light for the Journey is Mary's weekly online bible study and offers practical and powerful tools for daily living. Check it out!   

Looking for resources to help you grow in Christ?  Visit Mary's online store for a great selection of books, CDs, MP3 downloads, E-Bible Studies and more!

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
`

[Judy Harder]

September 9, 2009
A Simple Choice
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as in fact you are doing" (I Thessalonians 5:11 NIV).

Friend To Friend
We are shaped by words from those who love us or refuse to love us.  And we are shaped by the words of those who don't even know our names. It is the heart cry of all mankind to be loved and accepted, and sometimes a simple word of encouragement can make all the difference. 

William Barclay once said, "One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement. It is easy to laugh at men's ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others.  The world is full of discouragers.   We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise, of thanks, of appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet.  Blessed is the man (or woman) who speaks such a word."

What exactly is encouragement?  Webster defines it as "to give courage or confidence to; to raise the hopes of; to help on by sympathetic advice and interests; to advise and make it easy for (someone to do something) to promote or stimulate; to strengthen."  In contrast, he defines discourage as "to say or take away the courage of, to deter, to lessen enthusiasm for and so restrict or hinder."

Amazingly, our words have the capacity for both, and we are faced with the choice every time we speak as to which it will be. The Hebrew word "mouth" (peh) is often translated edge.  Like a knife, the tongue has a sharp powerful edge that can be used to either heal or destroy.  The knife in the hands of a skilled surgeon brings healing and life, but a knife in the hands of a felon brings death and destruction.  Like the surgeon, we can study how to use our mouths to bring life to those around us.  But it's not easy, and the tongue is difficult to control. 

Our words should build up and not tear down.  They should minister grace, or as one little girl explained to Florence Littaeur during a children's sermon, words should "be like silver boxes with bows on top" - like verbal presents.  They are God's gift to us and we in-turn give them as gifts to those around us. But words are not ordinary presents.  They are displayed on a prominent shelf in the heart as a treasured possession.

Let's Pray
Dear Father, I pray that you will help my words to be verbal presents to all those I encounter today.  May they be seasoned with salt, sweetened with honey, and nourishing to the soul.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Go back to that last sentence in today's devotion: "They are displayed on a prominent shelf in the heart as a treasured possession."

Can you think of encouraging words that were spoken to you in the past that you have treasured in your heart?

Can you think of a sharp word that hurt you to the core?

Don't ponder it. Leave it in the past.  Those are not to be placed among our collectibles.

I imagine that two different people came to your mind with those last questions.  Now, wouldn't you like for your face to come to someone's mind when asked about an encouraging word that she treasured in her heart - or he has treasured in his heart?

To comment on today's devotion, visit www.sharonjaynes.com/blog

You can read comments from other Girlfriends as well!

More From The Girlfriends:

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

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

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

[Judy Harder]

September 10, 2009
Praise God Anyway!
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (NIV).

Friend To Friend
Someone recently gave me a refrigerator magnet that said, "I know God promises to never give me more than I can handle. But sometimes, I just wish he didn't trust me so much."  When trials come and life seems hard, we plead with God to deliver us from the problem when many times his plan is to deliver us in the problem. Praise does not depend upon an understanding of the circumstance or trial. Praise depends upon faith in the God of that circumstance or trial.

As humans, we will never fully understand God - this side of heaven. God is holy and without blemish. God is all powerful and omniscient. He is Creator of the universe and yet lives in you and me. He is the only true, living God!  We may understand some of his ways and comprehend the reasoning behind some of his plans. We may even come to the place of knowing him on what we call an intimate level, but a full understanding of God is reserved for heaven.  Until then, we walk by faith, not by sight.  We praise him in the darkness, knowing that the light is just ahead. We trust him for things we cannot see and praise him in the valleys.  Honestly, the thought of serving and relying on a God I can understand is not a reassuring thought. 

Most people who know me well would describe me as a strong person, someone who can usually handle what life holds.  I thought the same thing until, in 1995, I found myself a powerless, prisoner of the darkness as I battled clinical depression.  It took me two long years to climb out of that pit and not a day goes by that I'm not reminded of that wonderful, horrible time. One of the many lessons I learned from my "pit experience" was that I cannot depend upon my own strength or my fickle emotions.  God often asked me to praise him when, as far as I could tell, there wasn't a whole lot to praise him for! I didn't feel like praising him. I began to understand that praise is not a feeling but a choice, a step of obedience taken without the assurance of a changed circumstance or the elimination of a trial.  Praise focuses on God, not the circumstance, and fixes its gaze upon God's truth and God's character instead of the trial at hand or the one just ahead. That's why we can celebrate the battle before it begins. The outcome is neither our responsibility nor our goal. Praise begins and ends with faith in the very nature, personality and integrity of God ... and that reality never changes. 

No matter what lies ahead, God is faithful.  No matter how hot the fiery trial may be, God will deliver us. No matter what man says or does, God loves and accepts us. So praise God! Thank him today for every victory tomorrow holds! Celebrate - knowing the battle belongs to God and because of that single truth, victory is certain. 

Now It's Your Turn
Begin your "Joy Journal" by recording the daily blessings he gives you each day.  Remember to add the "small" miracles as well as the "large" ones.  At the end of the week, have a private praise service - just you and God.  Thank him for his presence and power at work in your life.

Memorize Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (NIV).

Think about it... 


·         When I hear the word "praise", what comes to my mind?   

·         Do I really believe my life can bring God pleasure? 

·         After reading Psalm 139, how do I think God sees me? 

·         What are the sources of discouragement in my life? 

·         What steps do I need to take to eliminate those sources?

Let's Pray
Father, I praise You today for all that You have done in my life.  You are faithful even when I am faithless. Your love pursues me even when I am unlovable. Your forgiveness covers my sin and frees me from its penalty. Lord, teach me to praise You. Help me to see and understand the power of praising You in my life. I want to bring You pleasure, Father. I praise You for your love and faithfulness to me.  Your presence in my life changes everything, empowering me to live each moment of every day, content in knowing You are in control. As I face today, Lord, remind me that no matters what happens, I can praise You! 

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

More From The Girlfriends
An attitude of praise flourishes when we set our mind on God's joy in us. Joy is a deliberate choice of our mind and will - not an emotion or feeling.  Joy is a deeply rooted confidence that God is in control.  With that truth tucked into our heart, we can approach every circumstance with praise. 

Light for the Journey is Mary's weekly online bible study and offers practical and powerful tools for daily living.  Check it out!   

Looking for resources to help you grow in Christ?  Visit Mary's online store for a great selection of books, CDs, MP3 downloads, E-Bible Studies and more!   

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


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

[Judy Harder]

September 11, 2009
Are You an Enabler or Encourager?
Melody Hadley

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

Today's Truth
"Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up." (I Thess. 5:11 NIV)

Friend To Friend
I have a friend who was known to constantly complain.  She whined about her job, moaned about her husband and children, was bitter about the way her parents raised her, and was unhappy with life in general. Seemingly unable, or unwilling to stop the defeatism and negativity that surround her, her life was miserable.  I would listen, murmuring platitudes, and sighing with her over her difficult life.  This scenario played itself out over and over, week after week, month after month.

Then one day, God touched my heart and showed me this was not the way to reach her, to help her.  I was enabling her negative behavior by just listening and nodding, and not encouraging the positive perspective she so desperately needed.  Jeremiah 29:11 teaches us that we have a "hope and future".  I was not reminding her of that.  I realized that my behavior and attitude had to change in order for me to be Christ's hands and feet.  I looked to God, and through the Holy Spirit and the Word, I was then able to minister to her more appropriately.   

When this lovely young mom started speaking in a negative manner again, I knew what to say and could direct the conversation to a positive outlook.  I would tell her, "Stop!  Let's turn our focus to positive aspects in your life, and to how you can deal with the negative ones."

She is doing so much better now. Once I confronted the negative behavior and turned to God for His guidance and wisdom, He was able to help her.   It is so wonderful to see her smiling now, and when she falters, she catches herself, and says "Oops! There I go again. Sorry."

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, touch me with Your Spirit, and speak through my voice.  Let me touch and uplift others through my hands and my heart.  Let me be guided by You, that I may better guide others.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Please consider memorizing this verse:  "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29 NIV).

More From The Girlfriends
Through this 'shepherding' role of being a listening friend, I learned so much about the difference in enabling and encouraging.  We have to be aware all the time that Satan just loves it when he can get God's children confused as to how to they are to serve, and what they are to do when confronted with negative, defeated attitudes.

Begin in your own life. Identify and eliminate the footholds of negative thinking and speaking. Ask others to hold you accountable and to help you see when you are sliding into that old, destructive habit.

Stay in the Word. Check out Mary's weekly online study, Light for the Journey and be sure to check out the web sites of Gwen and Sharon for more resources to help you grow in Him.

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


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

[Judy Harder]

September 14, 2009
Using our Words Wisely - Learning from the Best
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Freely you have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:.

Friend To Friend
This month, I've been examining the power of our words.  So today, let's take a look at how Jesus used his words with his friends and let's learn from the best.

Jesus was the Master of believing the best in others and encouraging them to reach beyond their own limited view of their abilities. His disciples had witnessed Jesus command a lame man to walk, restore rotting skin to a leprous outcast, remove fever from Peter's mother with a touch, calm the raging storm, deliver a man from demons, and raise a little girl from the dead.  But Jesus wanted more for his friends than to remain spectators in the gospel.  He longed for them to be participants and partakers.

On a spring day, shortly after the Passover celebration, Jesus retreated to the north shore of the Sea of Galilee.  However, crowds of people quickly pursued this miracle worker to witness his teaching and healing power.  As the sun began to sink to the horizon, his disciples remarked that the people were growing hungry.  He turned to Philip and asked, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" (John 6:5)

Jesus was not concerned with a lack of provisions.  Rather He was taking this opportunity to invite the disciples to share in His ministry.  He didn't need their help.  However, he wanted to invite them to participate in a miracle to boost their confidence and faith.  It was a gentle breeze in their sails of courage.

Philip was smart.  In a matter of minutes he had calculated that it would take eight months' wages to feed the ten thousand people gathered on the hill. But Jesus wasn't looking for facts; He was looking for faith.

Andrew was practical.  He canvassed the crowd to see what resources were available...five small barley cakes and two small fish.  But Jesus wasn't looking for practical; he was looking for powerful.

Jesus told the disciples to have the crowd sit down in groups. Then he took the loaves and fish, blessed the food, and gave it to the disciples to distribute.

Did Jesus need the disciples' help?  No.  But He chose to include them in the miracle.  He wanted them to see that He believed in them.

Now, let's fast forward in Jesus' ministry and his relationship with His disciples.  During one of His last moments with the band of brothers, Jesus told them in no uncertain terms the potential He saw in them.  Like a coach who believes in his team, Jesus rallied the twelve: "Go to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, preach this message: `The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:6-8).

Before his ascension he gave them one last pep talk: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20).  They had observed, learned, and practiced.  Now it was time to step out into the world and participate in ministry without Jesus' physical presence.  He believed in them and He let them know it.

"I tell you the truth," Jesus said, "anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.  He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father" (John 14:12).  Oh my, did you notice?  Jesus wasn't just talking about the twelve disciples. He was also talking about you!  Jesus believes in you!

Jesus used his words to encourage his friends.  I pray that we can follow His example and do the same.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of words.  Help me to use my words to encourage my friends and family to be all that You have created them to be.  Help me to learn from Jesus' example to expect the best from others and encourage them to participate with You in the ministry You have marked out for them.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Go back and read the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 recorded in John 6:1-15.  Look for all the ways Jesus encouraged his disciples.  Remember, he did not need their help but could have miraculously made the bread appear as God made the manna appear for the Israelites.

To comment on today's devotion, visit www.sharonjaynes.com/blog

Here you can read comments from other Girlfriends as well!

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

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


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

[Judy Harder]

September 15, 2009
Change the Setting!
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (NKJV).

Friend To Friend
We do a lot of laundry at the Southerland house. There always seems to be a load in the washer that needs to go in the dryer, a load in the dryer that needs to be folded and a load of dirty laundry waiting to begin the process all over again. Our washer and dryer have numerous settings for everything from hand washables and fine delicates to cotton and permanent press. After a few loads that yielded pink male underwear and sweaters shrunk to fit Barbie dolls, we decided to wash everything on one setting.  Heaven help the man, woman or child who dares to change that setting. 

When a life crisis comes, we generally have an automatic setting of fear and anxiety.  The good news is that we can change that setting to peace and joy!  How?  By counting on God. 

·         Count on God to be with you.  We battle stress every day, but God is faithful and we can count on Him to be with us. Worry is trying to fix tomorrow's problems with today's resources.  God gives grace in daily doses. 

     Isaiah 43:2 "When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you" (NLT).

·         Count on God for direction.  Life can easily spin out of control in a whirlwind of confusion. God offers clear direction and guidance through his word, through his people and through the Holy Spirit. 

     Psalm 32:8 "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.  I will advise you and watch over you" (NLT).

·         Count on God for provision.  God goes before us in every area of life.  Nothing that happens to us will ever surprise God. We must be careful to stay away from scenario sickness of "What if". There are no "what ifs" when we choose to trust God for every need. 

     Isaiah 65:24 "I will provide their needs before they ask.  I will help them while they are still asking for help" (NLT).

·         Count on God for protection.  God will fight for us when we are attacked.  When we follow God's agenda, God fights for us but when we follow our agenda, we are on our own. 

      Exodus 14:13 "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" (NIV).


I recently saw a bumper sticker that read, "If God is your Co-Pilot, switch seats!"  Great advice!  We have good reason to be afraid when we are in control. Fear feeds stress. Stress thrives in an atmosphere of fear and doubt when our hand is on the steering wheel of life.  We need to move over, surrender control to God and find the peace only He can offer.

Let's Pray
Father, my heart is filled with fear.  It seems like I am drowning in the uncertainties of my life.  Lord, help me to surrender my fears to You.  Strengthen me to face each one and walk through it, knowing that You are with me. I choose to trust You and doubt my fears.  I choose against stress and for peace.  I choose You, Lord. 

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn


·         Make a list of your fears.

·         Surrender each fear to the loving control of God as you pray, "I will fear no evil, for you are with me." 

·         Burn the list as an offering of praise and thanksgiving to God's perfect peace enthroned in your life.

·        Read and memorize Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (NIV).

·         Determine what step(s) you need to take in order to find victory over those fears? 

More From The Girlfriends
When the tough times come, where do you usually turn first?  If you are like me, it is tempting to turn to other people and other resources for help.  We often turn to God as a last resort, as if we have tried everything else and since we have no options left, we might as well give God a shot at it!  The next time fear assaults you, turn to God and let His peace fight the battle for you.  Turn your worries over to God, knowing He already has a plan of rescue in mind. 

Fear was a huge struggle in my life for many years.  In fact, fear paralyzed me and blocked God's power and joy in my life.  I am learning to trust God more and believe my fears less.  Need help?  Light for the Journey is my weekly online bible study that offers practical and powerful tools for daily living.  Check it out!   

Looking for resources to help you grow in Christ?  Visit Mary's online store for a great selection of books, CDs, MP3 downloads, E-Bible Studies and more!

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


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

[Judy Harder]

September 16, 2009

Changing the Way We Speak
Relying on the Holy Spirit
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29 NIV).

Friend To Friend
It was a daunting scene.  Over 1,200 miles of Alaskan shoreline covered with black slimy crude oil, more than 1,000 bodies of once bustling sea otters littering the coast, and over 100,000 grounded fowl groping for air. The Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1988 dumped 11 million gallons of crude oil into the Prince William Sound and disrupted the ecological balance of nature to kill many of its most beautiful inhabitants...including 150 bald eagles.  The once glacier-fed waters teeming with life became an oily death trap.

Just as toxins in nuclear waste facilities, city dumps, and industrial accidents wreak havoc on the environment, so toxic words cause destruction to the hearts and souls of  people.  Paul wrote, "Let no foul or polluting language [ever] come out of your mouth" (Ephesians 4:29 Amp).  Perhaps as you've read the previous five devotions that I have written about the power of the words we speak, you've cringed at words you've spoken and wish you could take them back.  Words that have polluted the ones you hold dear.  Can we clean up the mess and repair the damage?  Absolutely!  We can choose to dismantle the verbal weapons and break the patterns of toxic words. And to do so, we must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit within us.

Relying on the Holy Spirit 

Tongues...most animals have one.  Some snakes have forked tongues.  Lizards smell with their tongues. Some fish, such as salmon and trout, have teeth on their tongues. Frogs and toads have tongues that whip out at incredible speeds to catch flies and other insects. Their cousin, the chameleon, has a tongue that is as long as its body. An anteater's tongue can stretch to the height of a two-year-old.  A gecko uses its tongue to wipe across its eyes like a windshield, and a giraffe uses its twenty-inch tongue to clean its ears. The tongue of a blue whale is about the size and weight of a full grown African elephant.

Even though a human tongue cannot smell out dinner, reel in the catch of the day, or reach to the tops of trees to pick fruit, it can do something even more amazing.  The human tongue can create words. Words are an incredible gift, and as we have seen, they have the potential for good or evil.  How do we harness such energy and insure that it is only used for good?  Unfortunately, James tells us it is impossible.

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by human beings, but no one can tame the tongue" (James 3:7 TNIV). That's the bad news.  Now, here's the good news.  While no human being can tame the tongue...God can.  It may be impossible for James, and for you and me, but it is not impossible for God. "Is anything too hard for the LORD?" the angel asked Sarai after announcing that her ninety-year-old body was going to bear a child (Genesis 18:14).

When we come to faith in Jesus Christ, God gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity who enables us to do all that God has called us to do.  He gives us the power to change!

Jesus explained to the disciples: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:.  After Jesus' ascension into heaven, the disciples waited for the Holy Spirit as Jesus had instructed.

"When the day of Pentecost came, a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.  They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest of each of them.  All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them" (Acts 2:1-4).

Isn't it interesting that the first manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit was words and the first visual manifestation was tongues of fire?  The disciples were able to speak in the various languages of the men and women who were visiting Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost.  The travelers heard the gospel in their own languages! Yes, that was astonishing.  But even more amazing was the courage that arose in the cowardly disciples.

Just a short time before Pentecost, Peter had been so afraid that he denied he even knew who Jesus was.  A mere servant girl's inquisition had Peter shaking in his sandals and swearing he was no friend of Jesus. After being filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter stood up, raised his voice, and addressed the crowd with such a mighty sermon that 3,000 men and women accepted Jesus as their Savior and were baptized.  That's what the Holy Spirit can do for timid souls who believe. He can transform a cursing tongue into a confessing tongue.

It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to control this little muscle that rests between our teeth.  However, change does require our cooperation. We must work in tandem with the Holy Spirit to reign in this feisty force.  The Holy Spirit gives us the power, but our responsibility is to put God-given principles into practice.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You did not leave us as orphans, but gave us the power of the Holy Spirit living within us to do all that You have called us to do.  I pray that the Holy Spirit will help me control the words that I speak and tame my tongue.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
God really loves it when we pray specific prayers.  Make a list of ways that you need to change the way you speak.  Cursing? Negative? Discouraging? Critical? Complaining? Sarcastic? Crude?

Make a list and pray that God will help you change specific "unwholesome" speech that comes out of your mouth.

To comment on today's devotion, visit www.sharonjaynes.com/blog.

While there, you can read comments from other Girlfriends in God readers.

More From The Girlfriends
Today's devotion is taken from Sharon's book The Power of a Woman's Words. In this book, you can explore the power you possess, the people you impact, the potential for change, and the profound possibilities. As you harness this mighty force, you will begin to use words to speak life to those around you. Get one for yourself, or gather a group of girlfriends to learn and grow together. 

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


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