Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

September 23, 2008
Pride and Chiggers
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Romans 12:3b "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."  (NIV)

Friend to Friend
A famous explorer in South America was once forced to abandon his journey by an almost invisible enemy.  He was equipped to meet leopards, serpents and crocodiles. They proved to be no threat, but what he had failed to consider were the tiny insects called chiggers.  They are so tiny that in North America we call them the "no see-ums." Someone composed this poem about these tiny invaders:

                  Here's to the chigger, the bug that's no bigger
                  Than the end of a very small pin;
                  But the itch that he raises simply amazes,
                  And that's where the rub comes in!

Pride and chiggers have a lot in common. Pride comes in little ways, unseen actions, subtle thoughts or inconspicuous comments.  Unguarded attitudes and random thoughts are prime breeding grounds for pride.  We must take charge of those thoughts, discipline our attitudes, training our thinking processes to give up and obey God. 

Pride loves to take up residence in an undisciplined thought life, changing the setting and dictating attitudes with little or no resistance.  When Paul encouraged the believers in Rome to cultivate "sober judgment", he was warning them to take charge of the mind, refusing to allow the entrance of any thoughts that would entertain pride.  A disciplined thought life is the very foundation of a victorious journey with God. 

I have heard it said that the bigger a man's head gets, the easier it is to fill his shoes.  It is not wrong for Christians to recognize and even applaud gifts in our own lives and in the lives of others as long as we remember that spiritual gifts are ours to manage, not to own. Pride draws attention to those God given gifts and tempts us to take credit for their existence and the way in which they are used. 

Many of us attempt to find worth and identity in what we do -- not who we are.  As a result, our actions are intended to draw the attention of anyone and everyone in a vain effort to establish self-worth.  There may be people in your life who are difficult to love. Our responsibility is to love and accept these difficult people without insisting they change or counting on them to change.  In order to do that, we must choose grace and humility over pride and censure.  Pride vanishes beneath the loving gaze of our Father who simply longs for each one of us to see ourselves through His eyes -- no more and no less.

The frontline of battle against pride is the mind.  We are in a war for the control of the mind.  Paul recognized that truth and urges us on in the battle, "We are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ."  (2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB)  To take something captive is a military tactic that we would do well to employ because the harsh reality is that when it comes to our thought life we are in a great battle -- especially when dealing with pride.  Sometimes it seems as if pride can actually crawl into my mind, grab hold of any undisciplined thoughts floating around.  Pride then flings those random thoughts into my heart as an attitude laced with burning arrogance and prideful perception of who I am in comparison to others.  We can change our lives by changing how we think. We can dictate the attitudes of our heart by fixing our thoughts on God and His truth.  The result is peace, which stands against pride, electing humility instead.  "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you."  (Isaiah 26:3)  What does it mean to "fix" our thoughts?  Webster's Dictionary defines "fixed" as "rigid, solid or firm". We must learn to fix our thoughts on the truth of God's word.  We need to be rigid in controlling our thought processes, holding firm to God's standard for the mind.  The result will be a stable way of thinking and living.  To prevent pride requires a choice to take charge of our mind.

I once dated a young man I thought was "the one".  For some reason, my mother did not like him. Knowing her daughter very well, my mother said nothing but I am sure she was on her knees pleading with God to take that young man out of my life.  He did.  We eventually broke up and my mother finally spilled the beans, explaining why she had a problem with this young man.  "If I could buy him for what he's worth and sell him for what he thinks he is worth, I would be a millionaire!"  Mama did have a way with words.  She was so right!  Today, that man is out of ministry, divorced and living a life that is unpleasing to God.  His pride robbed him of the best God had for him.  Don't let that happen to you.  Run from anyone or anything that promotes a prideful attitude.  Eliminate the strongholds of pride in your life.  Nail your ego to the cross and declare it powerless.  Celebrate the trophy of grace you are in God. 

Let's Pray
Father, thank You for the grace You give.  Thank You that grace covers all my sin with unconditional love and forgiveness.  Help me to walk in that grace, turning away from pride and arrogance.  Give me a humble spirit that draws others to You.  Help me to see myself through Your eyes and then live out what I see.  In Jesus' name, Amen

Now It's Your Turn
One of my favorite quiet time exercises is to create an acrostic using one word from the passage of Scripture I have read that day, pinpointing and explaining the main truth in the Scripture.  Try it!  Let me help you get started.

P. Pompous mindset 
R. rejected
I. I sentence my ego to
D. death
E.  Eliminating pride

More from the Girls
Pride is an ugly thing, isn't it?  It can easily creep into our thoughts, set up house and begin its destructive process.  I have come to realize that I must daily nail my old self to the cross and count it dead if pride is to be eliminated.  What does that mean?  We must constantly choose others first, refusing to enthrone self in any circumstance.  Ouch!  It is so easy to promote me instead of others but I am determined to do so.  How about you?  Need help?  Check out Sharon Jaynes' new book, Extraordinary Moments With God.  It will shift your perspective to search for God's handprints of grace in every day life.

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


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

[Judy Harder]

September 24, 2008
Masterpiece in the Making
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you" (Philippians 1:6, AMP).

Friend to Friend
It took four years of fresco painting for the Italian Renaissance sculptor, painter, architect, and poet Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, to finish the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Commonly known as Michelangelo, his time painting was mostly spent alone, on his back, lying on scaffolding. (How painful!) The painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is one of the most remarkable in the history of Western art. One thing is for sure: the process that altered a ceiling from plain to fabulous required a lot of time, great discipline, and the hand of a master artist. The same is true for us. The journey from broken into beautiful is a lifelong transformation that requires both discipline and a Master Artist.

As Michelangelo was working, I'm sure that lots of people came through the corridors of the chapel and stood in amazement. As they looked up at the beauty of his work, I bet they said things like, "That is the most fantastic work of art I have ever seen!" or "Extraordinary!" To which he might have said, "It's not done!" But did the unfinished state of the project negate that parts of the ceiling were beautiful? No! The parts that were complete were still extravagant and breathtaking.

Maybe this is the way God and others see our lives. It's common for people to notice the work God has done in us and comment on the beauty. And even though compliments are nice to hear, I've been known to resist them. (Admit it, you probably have too.) It's not so much a humility thing as it is an "I-don't-see-myself-as-beautiful" thing. From my limited perspective, I can see only the unfinished work. But in truth, my vantage point doesn't negate the beauty of the work God has done and is doing in my life.

Real beauty isn't about a finished or flawless product. It can't be. It's not possible on this side of eternity to have completed beauty. Our restoration will be complete in the presence of God when we see Him face to face. 

Now, you might be saying, "But Gwen, I can't be beautiful!  You don't know what I've done...or what I've been through...or what I'm going through!"

Friend, God knows where you have been, what you have been through, and where you are now. He knows what your flaws are and loves you in spite of your imperfections. His tender love is far-reaching and complete.

Your past sins do not define you.

Your painful scars do not define you.

Your present sufferings do not define you.

They are just shards of brokenness that God will use to lovingly refine your beauty. The transformation from broken into beautiful is neither easy nor instantaneous. It demands a yielded heart and can be quite painful, but it comes with great reward. God will need your broken pieces--your scars, shame, insecurities, disappointments, betrayals, and failures.

Do you have some of those?

Are they tucked away in a safe, do-not-enter part of your heart?

You might find it hard to hand over hurts. I get that. It's hard for me too. But difficult as it may be, it's time to hand them over and let our masterful Lord create a stunning work of beauty in you. And He's going to need all of your broken pieces to complete the restoration.

Let's Pray
Holy Father, I am humbled by Your willingness to love and forgive someone like me.  Please take the broken pieces of my life and don't allow me to have them back.  I surrender to Your healing.  Mold me and shape me into a beautiful reflection of Your glory.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Isaiah 64:8, "Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."

Meditate on this verse.  Read it again and personalize it in a prayerful response to God:  "Yet, O LORD, you are MY Father. I AM the clay, you are the potter; I AM the work of your hand."

More from the Girlfriends
Friends!!  I'm so excited to announce that my new CD, Unsearchable, is just weeks away from its official release date!!  Because my GiGs are so special to me, I've asked my record label, Great Worship Songs, to provide a few songs for early sale as mp3, lead sheet, and chord chart downloads!  CLICK HERE to be the first to hear songs from UNSEARCHABLE!!!

Today's devotion is taken from Gwen's book, Broken into Beautiful. God delights to transform lives ...even your own!  In Broken into Beautiful, Gwen Smith invites you to experience how the unconditional love of Jesus can change your life and let you see the wonder of grace at work.  To order, please CLICK HERE. 

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

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 25, 2008
God's Healing Salve
Part 1
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:14 (NIV)

Friend to Friend
When I was a little girl, my grandmother kept a jar of mentholated salve at the ready.  No matter what the nature of the ailment or the cause, grandma pulled out the salve and rubbed the slimy goop all over my injury.  Not only was it slimy, but the smell alone was enough to scare off any germs or bacteria that dare pass the epithelial walls of my skin.

God has a salve as well.  It is called forgiveness.

Forgiving those who have hurt or abused us is perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of healing, but without it, I do not believe we can ever be free to find the beauty and purpose in the scars of our past.  Actually, without extending forgiveness, I believe the wound may not be able to heal at all.  Each time we remember what was done to us or what was said and how it was said, or how we were wronged, we pick at the scab of offense and reopen the wound.

"Unforgiveness can be likened to a parasite; it feeds on the anger and hurt of its host, finding its most satisfying nourishment in human pain.  It thrives on the cycle of replayed scenes, recalled anguish, and rehashed justification for holding fast to grudges.  Essentially, unforgiveness grows plump on our desire for revenge."(Diane Dempsey Marr, Ph.D., The Reluctant Traveler (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2002), p.113.)

While many of us don't exactly plan to exact revenge, we somehow think that holding on to the unforgiveness is revenge enough. Ironically, the person whom we refuse to forgive most likely doesn't even care or even know we're carrying the unforgiveness around.  The only person being hurt when I choose not to forgive is...me.  The only person being hurt when you choose not to forgive is...you. It is as if we are hitting our own heads against the wall in order to punish the other person.

The Greek word for forgiveness is aphieme.  One meaning of the word is to "let go of from one's power, possession, to let go free, to let escape."   It means to cut someone loose! The opposite of forgiveness -- unforgiveness - means to tie someone on.  Just think about it.  When we choose not to forgive, we tie the person to our backs, lugging around the heavy burden of hate, bitterness or revenge.  No wonder some of us are not running the great race of life very well.  It's difficult trying to run with all that baggage.

As we move along the journey of discovering peace and purpose in the pain of our past, this is where many decide the terrain grows a bit too rugged to traverse. "That is too hard for me," the weary traveler moans.  "I don't like that road," the rebellious sojourner protests. "Isn't there another way?" the reluctant traveler begs.

Unfortunately, forgiveness is the only path to freedom.  When you think about it, forgiveness is the only way to freedom for all of us.  From the time we were born, each and every one of us is slaves to sin.  We didn't become a sinner the first time we did something wrong.  We were born in sin with a live body, but a dead spirit.  Because of that sin, we were separated from God.

But God didn't leave us as aliens doomed to a life of slavery and eternity in hell. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who was born of a virgin, who lived a perfect life, died as a sacrifice for our sins, and rose again to reign forever. He didn't wait until we were "good enough," for that day would never come. "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:.  God took the biggest obstacle in our lives, our own sinful heritage, and actually changed our spiritual DNA.  "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" (Romans 10:9).

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death."  Romans 8:1-2 (NIV) God sets us free the moment we believe.

But what does that have to do with forgiving the person who hurt us?  Everything. The Bible says, "Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Colossians 3:13)  I'm going to stop right here today.  We need to ponder how much we have been forgiven.  Join me tomorrow as we continue to look at the power of forgiveness.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, I cannot begin to express the joy and gratitude I feel for the way You extended grace to me.  Thank You for forgiving me of my sin.  Thank You for accepting me as Your child.  I love You.  Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Read Luke 7:36-50 and ponder the following questions:

What did this woman do?
Why was the woman so grateful?
What blessing did Jesus give her as she left?  "Go in __________."
Now, after this experience, how many grudges do you think she held against other people?
More from the Girlfriends
God's forgiveness is an amazing thing to ponder.  If you would like to learn more about God's forgiveness and about your identity as a child of God, see Sharon's book, Experience the Ultimate Makeover.  His grace is the key to becoming spiritually beautiful in Christ!

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 26, 2008
God's Healing Salve
Part 2
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:14 NIV). 

Friend to Friend
Yesterday we looked at the amazing grace and forgiveness we have each received from God.  Today, let's continue our time together thinking about forgiving those who have hurt us.  As I mentioned yesterday, forgiveness is the only path to freedom.  Whether it is our own freedom from the penalty of sin we are talking about, or freedom from the pain of our past, forgiveness is the only way.

But he doesn't deserve to be forgiven, I hear you say. Neither did I.  Neither did you.  Forgiveness has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not the person who hurt us deserves to be forgiven.  Forgiveness is not saying that what the person did or didn't do was right.  It is simply saying that we are taking the person off of our hook and placing them on God's hook.  We are cutting them loose from our backs and giving the burden to God.  We are no longer allowing them to hold us captive by holding a grudge.

As long as we do not forgive, we are held in Satan's vice grip.  Satan's number one avenue to ensnare his prey is unforgiveness.  Paul wrote, "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice" (Ephesians 4:31).  Why? "In order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes" (2 Corinthians 2:11 NIV).

Forgiveness does not mean that we put ourselves in a position to be abused or mistreated again.  If you are in an abusive relationship, it is very important to set up healthy boundaries or remove yourself from the situation.  There are many great books to assist with how and when to set boundaries for healthy relationships. 

Nothing will make us more bitter than an unforgiving spirit. And nothing will dissolve bitterness quicker than a decision to forgive and let go of the offense or disappointment. We cannot be bitter and get better at the same time.

Forgiveness is not:

Saying that what the person did was not wrong
Absolving the person from responsibility for their actions
Denying the wrong occurred
Pretending the abuse did not happen.
Forgiveness is:

Letting go of your need for revenge
Cutting the person loose
Refusing to let bitterness and hatred rule your life.
Are you ready to be free?  Let's look at six steps to forgiveness. We'll wrap up our prayer time and "Now It's Your Turn" all in one today.

Six Steps to Forgiveness
Let me walk with you through six steps to forgiveness that might help you in the process:

On a piece of paper, write the name of the person who has hurt you.
Write down how the person hurt you (i.e.  rape, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, betrayal, desertion, rejection, etc.)
Write down how you feel about that person.  Be honest.  God knows how you feel.
Decide to forgive.  Forgiveness is not a feeling but a decision of the will.  God will never tell us to do something without providing the power to obey.  He has told us to forgive and will give us the power-- but it all begins with the decision to do so.
Take your list to God and confess your forgiveness to Him.  "Lord, I come to You today and give up my unforgiveness.  I forgive_____for __________.  At this moment, I choose not to hold his/her offense against him/her, but put them into your hands.  I pray that you will heal my emotional wounds and help me to be able to help someone else with the same comfort you have given me.  I cut ______ loose."
Destroy the list.  As a visual exercise, destroy the list.  Some have taken the list to a safe place, such as a fireplace, and burned it.  Others have actually nailed the paper to a wooden cross.  Still others have written the person's name that they are forgiving on a helium balloon and released it to heaven.  However you choose, give the name to God.
More From the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's book, Your Scars are Beautiful to God.   If you would like to learn more about being free from your past, you'll want to check out this resource.  Also included is a Bible study guide to dig deeper into God's Word.

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 29, 2008
Learning to Abide
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
John 15:4-5 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing." (NASB)

Friend to Friend
It's that time of year again.  Schools are recruiting parents for classroom duties, sports teams are looking for team moms, and the women's ministry is begging for help ... and the list really does go on and on.  How do you react when an opportunity for service presents itself?  Do you feel guilty saying "no" and end up saying "yes"?  Why do women feel as if they have to do it all?  Oh, I am certain that a woman can do just about anything she sets her mind to do.  I'm just not sure she can do it all at the same time. 

For years, I tried to earn the love and approval of God by doing everything I could find to do. If a position needed filling, I filled it.  If a job needed doing, I did it.  If volunteers were called for, mine was the first hand raised.  After all, if I was doing all of these important things then I must be important, too.  Right?  The result was two dark years spent at the bottom of a deep, ugly pit called clinical depression.  It was as if God allowed me to run to the end of myself, then shut the door and turned out the lights.  I heard him loud and clear, "That is enough!  It is time for you to abide in me."  I knew very little about "abiding" but a whole lot about "doing". I soon learned that to abide in God, to rest in Him requires a balanced life with right priorities.

One of the main factors in my battle with clinical depression was that I didn't understand how to live a balanced life. I found it difficult to set boundaries, failed to establish margins of time for the unplanned or unexpected, and unwittingly surrendered my God-ordained priorities to the empty, vain addiction of just "doing the next thing" or pleasing the loudest voice.  Balance can easily become a casualty of this ongoing battle. While sitting in the darkness, waiting on God, I discovered that the pit of despair is a common destination for those who refuse to measure and balance the sometimes overwhelming demands of home, family, friends, work and personal growth. I had been running the race for the wrong audience and as a result, relied on my own power instead of God's power. 

I wish I could tell you that I now lead a perfectly balanced life, but the truth is that I constantly have to re-evaluate my priorities and goals in order to find the holy balance God intends.  Many of you tell me that you have the same struggle.  Just like you, I constantly have to make difficult choices between the good things and the best things.  When I make the wrong choices, I can sense myself sliding toward the dangerous edge of darkness.  I don't want to go there again -- so the battle continues.  The good news is that I don't have to fight alone and neither do you.  God is with us, urging us toward the light and His restoration power that comes from a heart and life that rests and abides in Him. 

Let's Pray
Father, I desperately need Your guidance in setting the priorities and goals in my life.  I want to please You and do what You alone have created me to do.  Help me to see and do Your plan. In Jesus' name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Set aside 30 minutes this week to spend alone with God.
Examine your life for areas that are out of balance.
Record each area in your journal.
Surrender that imbalance to God and ask Him to show you how to abide in Him instead of relying upon yourself and your own strength.
Set aside one day this month for a silent retreat.  Go to the beach -- a park -- your back yard! Just get alone with God and take a spiritual inventory of your priorities, time management and goals. The results may surprise you. 
More from the Girls
I have decided that a perfectly balanced life was lived only once on this earth -- by Jesus Christ.  My chances of doing so are slim.  It would be so easy to just throw my hands in the air or dive back under the covers and pray that the world will just go away and leave me alone.  Been there?  You are not alone, girlfriend.  Gwen, Sharon and I fight the same fight.  We are all in different seasons of life, but the struggle is the same -- learning to put God first and then allowing Him to set the agenda for each day.  Need help?  Escaping the Stress Trap would be a great guide to learning how to abide in God.  I also have a free online bible study you might find helpful.  Know that we are with you and praying for you!

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 30, 2008
Purified as Gold
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you" (Job 42:5 NIV).

Friend to Friend
When bad things happen in our lives, we tend to ask why.  There are many purposes for the pain in our past. Our understanding of God's character is broadened, our faith is strengthened, our character is matured, our souls are purified, our vision is clarified, our passions are enflamed, and our hearts are softened.  Of course with each of those positive qualities, a negative one could occur.  For example, our understanding of God could be skewed, our character compromised, our souls sullied, our vision clouded, our passions extinguished, our hearts hardened.  Just as the sun hardens clay and softens wax, we have the choice.  We can't change our past, but we can determine the effect it will have on our future to make us bitter or better.

I think of all that Job went through: all but one of his servants were murdered, fire from the sky burned up his sheep, the Chaldeans stole his camels, and a mighty wind blew down a house where all his children were feasting...killing them all...and that happened all in one day! 

What did Job do after such losses?  He tore his clothes and shaved his head as a sign of mourning.  That I can understand.  But then in the next verse we learn..."Then he fell to the ground in worship..."

All through the book of Job, we read of more tragedy that befell this one single man.  Did he question God?  Yes.  Did he curse God as his wife suggested?  No.  In the end, after God had spoken to Job, he replied, "My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you" (Job 42:5).  The story of Job is a difficult journey, but what He learned about God was worth the trip!  God made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before...The Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first."

Henry F. Lyte writes a poem that I have grown to love.  I pray it blesses you as much as it blesses me.

When God wants to drill a man
and thrill a man
and skill a man,
to play the noblest part.
When He yearns with all His heart
to create so bold a man
that the entire world will be amazed.
Watch His methods,
watch His ways.
How He ruthlessly perfects
whom He royally elects.
How He hammers him
and hurts him
with mighty blows converts him
into trial shapes of clay
which only God understands.
How He bends but never breaks
those whose good He undertakes.
How He uses what He chooses
and with every purpose fuses him,
to act and by every act induces him
to try His splendor out.
God knows what he's about.
Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, 
Thank You for the trials in my life that have drawn me closer to You.  Thank You for the purifying process of fire that brings the dross of my soul to the surface to be skimmed away.  Help me to see the trials of my life through Your eyes.  Thank You for the hard times that have made me who I am today.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Did you have trouble with today's prayer?  Can you thank God for the hard times?  Oh friend, that prayer did not come easy for me. Today, write your own prayer to God, but rather than blanketing your difficulties with the word "trials," list them specifically.  Thank God for what He did to mature you through specific struggles in your life.

More From the Girlfriends
Trials.  We don't like it when we are in the middle of them, but some things can only be learned on God-ordained field trips. If you would like to learn more about how God can use your pain for purpose, your hurt for hope and your miseries for ministries, you'll want to see Sharon's book, Your Scars are Beautiful to God: Finding peace and purpose in the hurts of your past. It will help you discover the hidden treasure in the midst of your trials.

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]

October 1, 2008
The Promises of Problems
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good."  Genesis 50:20

Friend to Friend
If you are like me, you prefer days when the sun is shining, the sky is blue, and not a cloud in sight.  Problems tend to irritate me because they make me realize just how frail I am as a human.  But I have come to realize that every problem points to a promise. 

Promise of direction
God uses problems to show us the way.  We would walk through the wrong door if He didn't close it.  Years ago, I dated a young man I thought I would marry.  We had it all worked out.  He was a preacher and I played the piano and sang.  What could be more perfect?  I began to pray, "Lord, if he is not the one, just close the door!"  The very next conversation I had with this young man ended our relationship and resulted in my taking a church staff position that led me to Dan Southerland.  I look back and thank God for that closed door. 

"Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways."  Proverbs 20:30

Promise of correction
God uses problems to correct us.  I have come to realize that some lessons can only be learned in the darkness, through pain and failure.  When our daughter was a toddler, she was fascinated with electrical outlets.  Nothing we said or did seemed to deter her...until the day she stuck a safety pin in the outlet.  "Ouch!" she cried, holding up her little red finger for me to kiss.  She never played with an outlet again.   

"It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws."  Psalm 119:71-72

Promise of protection
A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it keeps you from being hurt by something more serious.  It was so hard for me to take our children to the doctor to get immunization shots.  I would take a healthy child into the doctor's office and come out with a little one who was fussy, sore and running a low grade temperature.  Our pediatrician finally said, "Mary, just think of it like this.  You are allowing your babies to experience a little hurt in order to prevent them from experiencing a bigger hurt.  A tetanus shot is nothing compared to tetanus itself.   

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good."  Genesis 50:20

Promise of perfection
Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders.  I recently spoke for a women's conference that used the theme of "Problems into Pearls".  Strands of pearls were everywhere -- the center of each table, on the podium from which I spoke, draped across tables -- and many of the ladies wore pearls that day.  When the worship leader welcomed me, she said, "We have to get you some pearls!"  Digging in her purse, she produced the most beautiful pearl necklace and placed it around my neck.  As the day went on, I spoke several times, counseled and prayed with numerous women and tried to meet as many women as possible.  When everyone had left, the woman came to retrieve her pearl necklace.  I was embarrassed.  I had worked up quite a sweat with all of that hugging, laughing, talking.  She brushed my apology aside and said, "Sweat is good for pearls.  It helps them keep their luster."

"We can rejoice when we run into problems... they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady." Romans 5:3-4

God is at work in and around you.  You may not see His hand, hear His voice or even understand His process, but you can rest assured that you can trust His heart.  Remember, every problem points to a promise.

Let's Pray
Father, thank You for each problem that points me to You.  Help me to see trials as handles for Your promises and tools for growth in my life.  I choose to accept the lessons You want to teach me in the dark times and celebrate their truth in the light.  Give me the strength and power to trust You completely.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn

What problem are you facing right now? Put it into words and record it in your journal.   
Pray, surrendering that problem to God and ask Him for the promise it holds.
What good can come out of the problem you are facing?   
What scripture promise do you claim because of this problem?
Write that promise on a 3 x 5 card and tuck it in your purse.  When the going gets tough, pull out that card and read the verse aloud as a statement of your faith in your Problem-Solving God!
More From The Girls
If I had to choose between problems and peace, I know what I would naturally choose.  Don't you?  But God's ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts higher than our thoughts and His purpose more complete than our plans.  Trust Him, today, my friend.  He is Lord of the mountain, Shepherd of the valley and He loves you!  Need help avoiding that pit?  Check out Mary's CD, How to Avoid the Pits and sign up for her free online bible study, Light for the Journey. 


Don't miss the next Girlfriends in God Conference, October 17-18, in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  For more information, go to www.gcccpray.com.

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


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

[Judy Harder]

October 2, 2008
Salt and Light
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:13,14 NIV).

Friend to Friend
You are the salt of the earth.
Have you ever tasted potatoes without salt added?  They are bland, blasé, and blah.  Likewise, a world without Christians would be very unappealing.

Salt has three primary purposes. It preserves, heals, and gives flavor.  As Christians, one of our privileges is to preserve what is right and good in the world in which we live.  Satan is referred to as a roaring lion.  He prowls around seeking to rip Judeo Christian values from the government, public schools, entertainment industry, and the very fabric of life.  Christians, on the other hand, serve to preserve the values of our godly heritage. 

Salt is also an effective healing agent. Gargling with salt water helps heal a sore throat, swimming in a salty sea helps heal a skinned knee, and fellowshipping with "salty" Christians helps heal wounded souls by introducing them to spiritual, mental and physical wellness afforded them through a relationship with Jehovah Rapha -- the One who heals.

The most common use of salt is to add flavor, and as Christians, we add flavor to our world.  A gourmet cook once told me that salt not only gives food the salty flavor, but it also brings out the natural flavor of the food to which it is added.  As Christians, we should bring out the best in other people

You are the light of the world.
For eighteen years, I worked as a Dental Hygienist.  Fourteen of those years I worked with my husband, Steve, and four to six other Christian women.  When I think back on those days, I see our team as a chandelier of light: individual yet united to shine the light of Christ to our patients. In the reception room, Newsweek, Southern Living, and Better Homes and Gardens were mixed in with Focus on the Family, Guidepost, and Decision magazines. 

Steve and his assistant volleyed ideas about various aspects of the Christian faith back and forth like a tennis ball over a net while they worked on patients.  Talk about a captive audience!  We prayed with patients, sent them books, and listened to their family problems.  Someone once asked, "Aren't you afraid you'll offend someone and lose patients?"

"Someone might leave," I answered.  "But a person can get into heaven with a cavity, but they can't get to heaven without knowing Christ."

In our own simple way, we were being light in a very dark world.

Think for a moment about what light does.  It drives out darkness.  Even the smallest birthday candle in a darkened coliseum will push the darkness aside.  Jesus encourages Christians not to hide their light under a bushel, but to put it on a stand to be seen by all. Jesus said He was the light of the world. He has put that same light in you.  It is part of your new identity.

Robert Louis Stevenson said, "When a happy man comes into a room, it is as if another candle has been lighted." How much more does a Christian who has something to be truly happy about light up a room!

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I look around and see what the world would be like if all the Christian influences were removed.  Help me to make a difference in my sphere of influence, bring the healing of Jesus Christ to those I come in contact, and encourage the best in others to surface. Help me be salt and light in the world.
In Jesus' Name, Amen

Now It's Your Turn
What do you think this verse means? "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." (Matthew 5:13)

What do you think this verse means? "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." (Matthew 5:14,15)

Think of one way that you and your family can be salt and light in the world today.

Try sprinkling a little salt by giving words of encouragement to at least five people today.


More From The Girlfriends
I don't know about you, but I want to be a salty Christian!  If you would like to learn more about you role as salt and light, see Experience the Ultimate Makeover by Sharon Jaynes.  It's sure to make you thirsty for more of the only One who can quench your thirst! 


Don't miss the next Girlfriends in God Conference, October 17-18, in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  For more information, go to www.gcccpray.com. 

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


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

[Judy Harder]

October 3, 2008
What's in Your Nordstrom Bag?
Cindi Wood

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",
Cindi Wood.


Today's Truth
"Therefore comfort each other and edify one another."  1 Thessalonians 5:11

Friend to Friend 
I was out walking in our neighborhood earlier this week, when my friend Linda pulled up beside me as she drove to her house.  After speaking, the first thing I saw was the NORDSROM bag on the passenger seat beside her.  The first thought I had was, "Oh, what fun.  She's been shopping!"  Linda's initial body language and facial expression indeed, was one that spoke, I'm having a good day and doing fun things.  As the conversation unraveled, however, I found that nothing could have been further from the truth!

During the next few minutes, I learned that Linda was consumed with hurt over her mother's move to the nursing home. The Nordstrom bag carried her mom's clothes and toiletries. As we continued to chat, it became evident that my friend needed someone to share her burden and offer encouragement.  What appeared to be a fun day at Nordstrom's turned out to be a sad day at the nursing home!

Over the last couple of days, I've thought a lot about that encounter.  During the busy days of my life, people and things are often viewed as a tag-on -- coming in second to the many things that make up my To-Do list.  This is not Jesus-thinking!  Our Lord viewed people as top-priority, coming in second only to His relationship with His Heavenly Father.  He knew the joy of self-sacrifice because He had first surrendered every detail of daily living to the Father.  If you learn to love Jesus, to grow in your knowledge of Him and to increase your worship times with Him, then you will view people as priority!

Is there a "Linda" in your life today?  If you pay attention, you'll see her at work or hear her on the phone and maybe even catch a glimpse of her in the restaurant.  I can tell you this; in paying attention to who matters to Jesus, you are saying "thank you" to Him for all He's done for you!

"Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these . . . you did it to Me."  Matthew 25:40                           

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, open the eyes of my heart today.  Help me look beneath the exterior into the heart.  I ask You to place someone in my path today that needs Your love and encouragement.  I want to make people -- Your people -- a priority in my life.  It touches me deeply that You allow me to minister to others for You.  Thank You.  I love You! 
In Jesus' name,
Amen                                                                                                                                   

Now It's Your Turn

Have you spent time alone with God today?  Your effectiveness in "ministering" to others is directly related to your love-relationship with Him!
Have you considered that in serving others you are truly serving Jesus?
Ask Him to deepen your compassion to serve and to give you a heart that is tender and ready to offer encouragement.
More From The Girlfriends
I find it's so easy to become self-absorbed.  When I determine to focus my heart on Jesus, He keeps me loving others instead of being so consumed with myself and my own needs. If you'd like to learn more about growing your love relationship with Jesus, I invite you to check out www.frazzledfemale.com.  God bless you on your journey!


Don't miss the next Girlfriends in God Conference, October 17-18, in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  For more information, go to www.gcccpray.com. 

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


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

[Judy Harder]

October 6, 2008
The First Question
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?" (Genesis 3:9 NIV)

Friend to Friend
Sometimes it is easy to read about Adam and Eve's failure in the garden and wonder how they could disobey like that!   But the reality is that this is not Adam and Eve's story alone.  It is our story as well.  We make decisions on a daily basis that dishonor God.  We disobey, take charge of our own lives, and become Lord of our own ring.  Then like Eve, we try to cover up our shame and even attempt to hide from God.

Do you know the first question God asked in the Bible? After Adam and Eve hid from God, He asked -- Where are you?  God knew exactly where they were, what they had done, and what the enemy had stolen from them.  However, He decided to remain in relationship with them and begin the process of restoration which was completed on the Cross of Calvary.  He asks the same question of us today, "Where are you?"

I think "but God" are the two most beautiful words in Scripture.  "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:.  When did we become a sinner?  The first time we sinned?  No, we were born sinners and that sin is what separated us from God.  While we were yet sinners, He became the perfect sacrifice for us, not to cover our ugliness, but to cleanse us forever -- once and for all.  Salvation Army Officer, John Allen once said, "I deserved to be damned in hell, but God interfered." God interfered, intervened, and intercepted our death sentence. He sent His son, who paid the penalty for our sin and all we have to do to receive the pardon is accept His wonderful gift.

How do we accept the gift? "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved" (Romans 10:9).    When you accept Jesus Christ as your own personal Savior, you are freed from the penalty of sin (spiritual death and eternal separation from God) and He gives you a new living spirit. "Salvation is moving from living death to deathless life."

Why did God do this for us? "For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son.  And whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).  When you become a Christian, your spirit is reborn and you experience a spiritual makeover at that very moment "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).  We were crucified with Christ and now we live in Him (Galatians 2:20).

Have you accepted God's incredible gift?  If not, He's still asking, "Where are you?"

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, Thank you for your great love for me.  Thank you that you called me by name -- asked "Where are you?"  Thank you for sending your Son to pay the penalty for my sin and save me from separation from You.
In Jesus' Name.
Amen


Now It's Your Turn
Is there ever a time when you felt as though you wanted to hide from God?

How did God draw you back to Himself?

Is there any particular sin that God has brought to your attention that you need to repent of (turn and go in the opposite direction?)

What is the assurance that you have that God will forgive you?

Write your own "but God" story today.     I was............but God.............

More From The Girlfriends
The Bible says that when we come to Christ, we are a new creation.  Since that is true, then why do we struggle with the same old issues?  If I am a new creation, then why don't I act like one?  I think it is because we don't have a good understanding of who we are as a child of God and the incredible power that lies within us.  If you would like to learn more about who you are, what you have and where you are as a child of God, see Sharon's book, Experience the Ultimate Makeover. 


Don't miss the next Girlfriends in God Conference, October 17-18, in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  For more information, go to www.gcccpray.com. 

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


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