Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

October 15, 2009
Anger to Aroma
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because our anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires" (James 1:19 TNIV).

Friend To Friend
Anger - we all know what it looks and sounds like.  The kids track mud through the house again, a husband forgets an anniversary, a car pulls out in front of us and putters down the road at twenty miles per hour, the oven decides to stop working one hour before dinner guests are scheduled to arrive.  How do we react?  Anger!

The Greek word for anger is orge and means "any natural impulse, or desire, or disposition," and came to be known as anger - the strongest of all passions.  While the culture says that anger is healthy, the Bible tells us to "rid ourselves of it" (Colossians 3:.

I was with a friend who was being treated very unfairly.  Someone had approached her about co-authoring a book.  Plans were made, contracts were discussed, and content was already forming in her mind.  But then she received a phone call from the spouse of the co-author.  "I do not want my husband to co-author this book with you.  He does not need a female to dumb-down his work."

Several people were in earshot of this conversation.  I was furious that my friend was being treated in such a manner!  However, rather than react in anger or defend herself, my friend graciously and with the love of Christ spoke words of kindness. Rather than becoming angry, she exuded the fragrance of Christ, and it permeated the entire office.

That is the choice we have.  When we choose not to react in anger, but extend grace, the aroma of Christ is released. "My dear brothers and sisters," Paul writes, "take note of this:  Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because our anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires" (James 1:19 TNIV).  Thomas Jefferson once said, "If angry, count to ten before you speak; if very angry, one hundred."

Where does anger come from anyway?  Well, it is a reaction to irritating people and circumstances, you might say.  But I believe the root cause of anger is self-centeredness.  We live in a world that tells us, "It's all about me!"  And when something doesn't suit the center of my universe - me - then anger erupts.  That's difficult to admit, isn't it?  Here's a little test:  Each time you become angry over the next few days, ask yourself this question, "Am I angry because I didn't get what I wanted when I wanted it?"

Wow!  That makes the little kids throwing a temper tantrum in the toy store have a striking resemblance to the woman we see in the mirror each day! 

Rather than using our words in anger, we can use our words to be the fragrance of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15).  Have you ever walked out of a convenience store smelling like cigarette smoke for the rest of the day?  Have you ever hugged someone and ended up wearing her perfume? We will leave a fragrance, so to speak, by the words we speak.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, help me be quick to hear and slow to speak.  You gave us one mouth and two ears for a reason. Another thing, Lord, help me to listen to You today.  I pray that I will sense Your gentle nudges and tender tugs.  I love You so much!

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
How are your listening skills?

Here are some ideas from my book, Being a Great Mom, Raising Great Kids on ways to improve our listening skills.

Don't complete someone's sentences for them.

Don't interrupt.

Don't glance at your watch when someone is talking to you.

Don't cross your arms as if to say you are close-minded.

Do make eye contact.

Do lean forward if you are seated.

Do ask good follow-up questions.

Do put down the newspaper or turn off the television to give focused attention.

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

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. It also has a companion Bible Study guide. Get one for yourself, or gather a group of girlfriends to learn and grow together.  Also, Sharon has two great resources to help with listening skills in the areas of motherhood and marriage: Being a Great Mom, Raising Great Kids and Becoming the Woman of His Dreams.

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 16, 2009
Unleashing the Power of Patience
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"Be humble and gentle.  Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love" Ephesians 4:2 (NLT).

Friend To Friend
When our daughter was expecting our third grandchild, she battled back pain because her "little man" loved to kick and did so with great frequency. (I think soccer is definitely in his future.) In frustration she complained, "Mom, he is sitting on my nerve!"  My response was not particularly encouraging, "Honey, believe me when I say it won't be the last time."   

Patience is a vital part of the parenting process as well as an emotional thread that runs through every healthy relationship.  Over the years, Dan and I have had countless opportunities to work on being patient.  When our children became teenagers, we realized that a new plan for their allowances was needed.  Dan and I were tired of being asked for money by two teenagers who enjoyed the privilege of a regular and generous allowance.  There seemed to be confusion about what their allowances should cover as opposed to those expenses that would fall under the responsibility of parental funding.  For example, our son, Jered, would fill up his truck with gas and then drive my car.  Our daughter, Danna, would buy a new pair of shoes and then need money for a movie.  It was obvious to Dan and me that a new plan was obviously needed. 

Even though Jered and Danna seemed content with the old plan in place, we sat down with each one to make a list of what their allowances would cover, encouraging them to budget their money while setting aside part of each allowance for the special things they wanted to buy.  The result was a clear plan of how much money they would receive and an exact list of what it was to cover.  The confusion and frustration disappeared because the right plan was in place. 

God's plan for dealing with sandpaper people includes setting aside part of our emotional energy to cover their faults and allow for their weaknesses.  The apostle Paul is clear in his explanation of how we should treat others, even those people who rub us the wrong way, the sandpaper people.  We are called to "admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak and be patient with all men" 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NAS).

Sandpaper people are often unruly, meaning that they are frequently careless or out of line in their behavior.  The word, "unruly" applies to soldiers who refuse to follow orders, insisting on doing things their own way.  Sound familiar?  It is the motto of every respectable sandpaper person.  Patience lovingly corrects and points out the right way but sandpaper people tend to give up easily, feeding the failure that has become a familiar companion, training their feeble hearts to despair while persuading their fragile spirits to quit.  Patience comforts these hard to love people, refusing to give up on them when everyone else has walked away.  The "weak" ones are those who are weak in their faith - the baby Christians.  New believers awkwardly stumble through their first steps into the world of Christianity and are often perceived to be "rough around the edges".  Patience not only reassures these frightened little lambs that they belong but also offers to walk with them until they grow stronger and their path is sure. 

His name was Sam.  I fell in love with him the first time I saw him.  I was standing at the door of my second grade classroom, anxiously waiting to greet the thirty students who had been assigned to me for nine months.  Though Sam was smaller than the other children, he walked with the earned confidence of one who has seen more than he should have seen at such a young age. What he lacked in size, he more than made up for in personality.  He was a blatant flirt, and I was a goner as soon as he gazed up at me with strikingly blue eyes that tripped my heart and flashed two cavernous dimples that won it.  I will never forget his words.  They broke my heart.  "My name is Sam.  I am dumb and stupid and I can't do anything right.  I get mad real easy and like to break things.  I just thought you should know." 

It took only a few minutes for Sam to begin what I suspected was his usual attempt to prove his words true as he swept through the quickly filling classroom, destruction in his hands.  Papers were ripped and tossed aside. Children shrank away from his now scowling face, fear in their eyes.  When the little girl laughed, Sam thought she was laughing at him and knocked her to the floor.  I had seen enough.  Taking Sam by the arm, I marched him out of the room and down the hall.  He was not surprised or particularly concerned.  It seemed to be very familiar territory - but what came next wasn't.

Looking for a place to sit, I stopped in front of a bench, pulled him into my arms and held onto him for dear life.  "Sam, it is wrong to tell a lie," I whispered.  Stunned, he drew back to ask, "What do you mean?  I didn't tell no lie."  Cupping his freckled face in my hands, I whispered, "Yes, you did.  You said you were dumb and stupid and couldn't do anything right.  That is a lie.  I don't know who told you that and I don't care.  It's not true - is it, Sam?"  His eyes filled with tears - and a tiny ray of unfamiliar hope appeared. It was enough. Slowly, he shook his head, a watery smile creeping across his now softening face.  "Nope! I reckon it ain't."  Together, we walked back to the classroom and to a new beginning for one little sandpaper person. 

That year I taught Sam and he taught me.  I am not certain who learned the most but this I do know - the more we love, the more patience we will have.  And the more patience we have, the more we will love.  I often wonder just how many "Sams" are waiting for someone - anyone - who will choose to unleash the power of patience and by doing so unleash the power of love as well.   

Let's Pray
Lord, forgive me for my response to that difficult person in my life today.  I was angry and irritated and did not take the time to see the hurt behind their sandpaper mask.  I am so sorry, Father, for not loving Your child like You love me.  Help me to be more patient and to be kinder to those who cross my path each day.  I want to be "God with skin on" to those who need Your love, grace and mercy.  Thank You for loving me and for the forgiveness and grace you pour into my life every minute of every day.  I love You!

In Jesus' name,
Amen. 

Now It's Your Turn 

Make a list of the people who irritate you the most. 
Why do you think it is difficult for you to deal with these people?   
Does each person on your list know you are a follower of God by the way you treat them?   
What changes do you need to make in your attitude and behavior toward these people?

More From The Girlfriends
Wouldn't it be nice if everyone in your world was just like you?  It would certainly make life easier.  I truly believe that much of our conflict in relationships is the result of our mission to change the people with whom we interact.  We want them to think like we think and act like we act - which would result in very little, if any, growth on our part.  Today, celebrate that sandpaper person who drives you crazy!  Thank God for all He is teaching you and how He is changing you as you learn to deal with that person.   

Mary's book, Sandpaper People, can help you learn to deal with difficult people through cultivating and applying God's principles to your relationships. And be sure to check out Mary's weekly online bible study, Light for the Journey.

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 19, 2009
Turning Complaining to Contentment, Part I
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4: 11-13 NIV). 

Friend To Friend
Like six sardines packed into aluminum cans, we sat shoulder to shoulder in the rickety twin engine plane. The destination was Nevis, West Indies.  The mission was to provide dental care for the poverty stricken natives of a tiny island with 90% unemployment.

With a newly acquired degree in Dental Hygiene, I was thrilled to join a dentist and his team for a week of ministering to the men, women, and children of this tropical island. We had so much to give to a people who had so little ... or so I thought.

The plane that took us over to the island was so tiny.  We could not take our equipment and our luggage in the same trip.  We all decided (or the men did) that we didn't really need our clothes.  They loaded the equipment and our clothes were to follow later in the day.  Our motto became, "Tell me what you need and I'll tell you how you can do without it."

Even without our luggage, the plane was slightly overloaded.  I, being the lightest of the bunch, was relegated to the co-pilot's seat.  I just kept telling myself that if we crashed, I'd be the first to see Jesus, so that was OK with me.

What did we encounter on the island?  Yes, there was poverty.  Yes, there were many dental needs.  I expected that.  What I did not expect was the sense of contentment and joy I saw on the faces of the twelve children who lived in a one-room, thatched-roof shack with no running water and a packed dirt floor. Or the contentment of the women who had one dress to wear. Or the satisfaction of the men who filled their bellies with food from the ocean and tropical fruit that sprang from the surrounding flora.

I did not expect the incredible praises to God that rose through the church roofs, the laughter of children dressed in tattered rags, or the coos of mothers contentedly holding their babies to their breasts.  I had arrogantly come to help these people, but they helped me.  I experienced what Charles Surgeon penned: "He is richest who is content with the least." 

From my earliest years of adulthood, God allowed me to see contentment through the lives of the poor.  I knew contentment would never be attained through achievement, accumulation of wealth, or accolades from others.  And yet, all through my life, there has been the tension of complaining and contentment.  Why?  I believe it all started in the Garden of Eden and continues on today.  Eve had it all, but wasn't content.  She believed God was holding out on her and ate the forbidden fruit.

Job was a man who lost everything, yet he did not complain.  His wife, on the other hand, suggested he curse God and die (Job 1:21).  But Job's reply was, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart.  The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised" (Job 1:21).  His contentment did not rely on people, position or possessions but on the knowledge of the sovereignty of God.

In the New Testament, we see a mirrored example in the person of Paul.  Paul had been a man of influence who graduated from the best schools with a degree of a Pharisee and born into the elite line of Benjamin.  He referred to himself as a faultless Hebrew of Hebrews with legalistic righteousness. But after he came to Christ, not before, his life was riddled with persecution, problems and prison.  Yet he wrote, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4: 11-13).  And where was Paul when he penned these words?  He was under house arrest, chained to a Roman soldier twenty-four hours a day.  Paul knew that living in union with Christ was the true source of contentment. Amazingly, in this letter to the Philippians, his key message is "Rejoice!"

Join me tomorrow as we look more at how to turn complaining into contentment as we continue looking at the life of Paul.

Let's Pray
Heavenly Father, I'll admit that I complain too much.  I shouldn't be complaining at all!  When I look at the many ways that You have blessed me and my family, I am ashamed at my ungrateful attitude.  I confess my sin of an ungrateful heart.  I repent of my complaining ways.  And I commit to praise You in all things.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Have you ever been in a situation where you set out to help someone, but you were the one who was blessed?  If so, ponder that experience today.

One of the best ways I know to put a lid on complaining is to help someone else who is in need.  Today, look for someone who needs a helping hand and reach out with the love of Christ.

If you would like to comment on today's devotion, visit www.sharonjaynes.com/blog

More From The Girlfriends
Today's devotion is taken from Sharon's books, The Power of a Woman's Words and The Power of a Woman's Words Bible Study.  In these books, 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

[Judy Harder]

October 20, 2009
From Complaining to Contentment, Part 2
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4: 11-13 NIV). 

Friend to Friend
Yesterday, we took a look at how to turn a complaining attitude into a contented attitude.  Today, let's continue by taking a closer look at the life of Paul. Remember, Paul had been a man of influence who graduated from the best schools with a degree of a Pharisee and born into the elite line of Benjamin.  He referred to himself as a faultless Hebrew of Hebrews with legalistic righteousness. But after he came to Christ, not before, his life was riddled with persecution, problems and prison.  Yet he wrote, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4: 11-13NIV).  And where was Paul when he penned these words?  He was under house arrest, chained to a Roman soldier twenty-four hours a day.  Paul knew that living in union with Christ was the true source of contentment. Amazingly, in this letter to the Philippians, his key message is "Rejoice!"

Imagine yourself in prison for sharing the gospel.  Would your tendency be to say, "God, this isn't fair?  Why are you allowing this?"  I'm ashamed to say that would be mine.

Come to think about it, I don't have to imagine it.  I remember one weekend when I was flying to Houston for a speaking engagement.  An hour into the trip, a woman on the plane passed out.  The two doctors on board revived the embarrassed passenger and surmised that her blood sugar was probably low because she had not eaten breakfast. But protocol demanded that the plane had to land and disembark the damsel in distress.  The closest airport was back from whence we came.  My heart sank as I watched the clouds and realized the plane was turning around.

Two hours later, the same plane full of the same passengers minus one took off again. All of us with connecting flights in Dallas missed our connections and were rebooked on a later flight.  The only problem was the flight, which was the last one out for the evening, had 32 passengers on standby.  There was no way we were going to make the flight and I was going to miss the speaking engagement that had been booked and prayed over for one year.

"God," I whined, "I am doing this for You!  Why are you doing this?  Why did you allow this to happen?"

In tears, I called my husband to explain the situation.  "I don't want to be doing this.  It's not worth it.  I want to be home with you.  I am hungry, I am tired, and I am mad.  On and on I went as Steve listened to my complaining."

Sitting at the gate with the crowd of disgruntled travelers who were also not going to make the flight, one man stood up and said, "I'm going to go rent a car and drive to Houston."  Then a woman jumped up and added, "Can I go with you?"  "Me too," a young businessman chimed in.

I joined this band of weary travelers and headed to the car rental booth.  In the end, six strangers piled into a van with one common goal ... get to Houston.  During the two hour trip, we addressed the usual questions about family and jobs and interests.  The woman who sat beside me was a cheerleading coach. I felt she was just a little bit too perky considering the circumstances.  I learned that she was headed to a competition, her kids were her life and her husband ... well, and he was somewhere down the priority list between grocery shopping and house cleaning.  But for two hours we chatted.  She asked about my books and when I mentioned one title, Becoming the Woman of His Dreams, she faltered.

"My husband would like for me to read that one," she mumbled. 

"Oh really, why?"  I inquired.

I cracked the door and she flung it wide open. Why not?  I was a stranger and she would most likely never see me again.  But for now, I was "chained to a Roman guard." 

When we reached Houston, the driver didn't pull up to the airport and let us out.  No, they drove me to the front door of the hotel, just in time for me to walk up to the podium for the women's conference.  As I crawled out of the car and waved goodbye, I realized that the assignment from God wasn't about to begin when I walked into that hotel.  It had begun the moment I walked out my front door.

When we look at the difficulties, inconveniences and problems of life as potential assignments from God, it changes our perspective.  We can decide to focus on what God can do through a difficult circumstance rather than the details of the circumstance itself.

During Paul's time chained to a Roman guard, he was not only captive, but he had a captive audience.  He was able to have one on one time with some of the most influential Roman citizens ... the guards.  Not only was he able to share the gospel with them, but they were privy to the conversations between Paul and his many visitors from the churches.  His time in prison also gave Paul time to write letters to the churches which we hold in our hands today in the New Testament.

One of the first Bible verses I learned as a new Christian was written by Paul who said, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  I applied it to every hurdle imaginable.  But the truth is that Paul wrote this verse in the context of contentment.  How do we discover the secret to the contented life?  How do we frame the words that come out of our mouths and influence those around us?  "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

Can we be content if we never marry?  Can we be content if our children don't turn out the way we had hoped?  Can we be content if our bosses fail to see our potential?  Can we be content if our parents continue to have unrealistic expectations for their adult children? 

Let's take it down a notch.  Can we be content if the waiter doesn't give good service?  Can we be content if the line at the post office moves too slowly?  Can we be content if our neighbor's dog keeps us up at night?

Words of contentment have great power because they make people sit up and take notice. They wonder - what makes her different? What are your words telling the world? 

Let's Pray
Dear LORD, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight today.  I am determined to have a grateful heart today.  Help me recognize opportunities to bless others today, and to see the inconveniences of life from Your perspective. 

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Open your Bible to the book of Philippians and note how many times Paul uses the words "rejoice" or "joy."  Remember, he wrote this letter while in prison.  What can you learn from Paul's words on joy considering the circumstance in which he wrote them?

If you would like to comment on today's devotion, visit www.sharonjaynes.com/blog

More From The Girlfriends
Today's devotion is taken from Sharon's books, The Power of a Woman's Words and The Power of a Woman's Words Bible Study.  In these books, 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

[Judy Harder]

October 21, 2009
Stress Management 101
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Philippians 4:6-7 (ICB) Do not worry about anything. But pray and ask God for everything you need. And when you pray, always give thanks. And God's peace will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The peace that God gives is so great that we cannot understand it.

Friend To Friend
Stress management is a spiritual discipline that begins with diligent preparation in every area of life - mental, emotional, physical and spiritual.  We must be ready to deal with stress before we are required to deal with stress.  Dealing with stress is an ongoing, daily battle that will not end - this side of Heaven.  In order to win that battle, we must be prepared.  While there is no single secret to handling stress, God's Word is filled with many truths that can enable and empower us to deal with stress in a healthy, productive and God-honoring way. 

Sometimes the most familiar passages of scripture are also the most overlooked.  Psalm 23 is one of those passages.  I often find myself rushing to this psalm for peace and comfort in the aftermath of a stressful situation or for guidance and shelter from the storm that I see barreling straight for the unprepared shores of my life. However, I have also discovered that Psalm 23 is a powerful tool for dealing with stress on an everyday basis. 

If you are like me, I tend to handle the major calamities in life better than the mundane, ordinary but definitely stress-inducing minutia of daily living.  A study of Psalm 23 has led me to believe that it is often the small pebble in my shoe, rather than the massive boulder on my path, that causes the greatest stress in my life. Life is so daily! Fortunately, so is God.

He promises to be my shepherd, to lead and guide me, to provide my every need, to protect me from my enemies, to fill my heart with peace, and to stand between me and my greatest fears.  God delivered a profound message when He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live among us each and every day.  Jesus could have come to us in many ways but He chose to interrupt the ordinary with the extraordinary!  Jesus could rightfully have been born in a palace.  He was, after all, a King.  Yet His life on earth began in a manger - a smelly, dusty, dirty and definitely common barn.  The simplicity of His birth is one of His most precious gifts to us and a constant reminder that He really does care about everything that touches our lives - no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. God wants to be involved in the simple, ordinary happenings of each day. 

While I cannot imagine my world without the presence and power of Jesus Christ, I am often guilty of living as if He does not exist.  The result is a stress-filled life.  A trial comes and I try to handle it on my own. Loneliness empties my heart and instead of reaching out to Him, I withdraw into the darkness where stress is waiting to fill that emptiness with anxiety and fear. Still, God is faithful.  His peace is a soothing balm that leads me once again to the manger and away from stress.  Emmanuel, God with me!  He steps into my life and changes everything.  When He comes, stress is stripped away, tranquility given in its place.

When I find myself wishing I could have been there that holy night when Jesus was born, He gently reminds me that I had my own manger experience, when God became a personal reality in my life. I have my own holy moments each and every day as I reach out to Him and He is there, right in the middle of my common, ordinary and often smelly circumstances. 

Stress has no place in a heart that kneels before the manger.  Stress is powerless in a life that continually seeks God and chooses to surrender to His love and care - like the sheep surrender to the love and care of their Shepherd. Psalm 23 describes the intimate, personal and trusting relationship between sheep and shepherd, between child and father, and is not only a beautiful portrait of God's complete and faithful provision, but an arsenal of stress-busting truths and principles that, when embraced and applied, will empower and equip us to live a life of peace and victory. 

Let's Pray
Father, I want to thank You for your unconditional love and forgiveness.  Help me to focus on You and Your presence in my life each day.  I pray that any stress in my heart will be swallowed up in the reality that You are faithful and are in control.  I know You are not surprised by anything that comes my way and will transform the good into better, the unthinkable into the unstoppable and the unbelievable into fact.  I praise You for the amazing way You guide me and lift me up when I fall.  I want to focus on You today and thank You that in doing so, I will experience true peace.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Think about the way you begin each day.  Are you afraid of what the day holds?  Do you dread facing whatever comes your way?  Or do you focus on God and His promises?  Let's encourage one another to walk in faith, peace and victory.

More From The Girls
Stress is one of the enemy's favorite weapons to use against me.  Stress has caused physical pain, emotional darkness and spiritual bankruptcy in my life.  I constantly have to bring my heart and mind back to God.  I know how hard it is to stay balanced and at peace.  Need help?  Check out Mary's book, "Escaping the Stress Trap" to discover nine steps you can take to manage stress...instead of allowing it to manage you.

Be sure to take a look at Mary's weekly online bible study, Light for the Journey or browse through her online store for great buys on books, CDs, E-Bible Studies, MP3 downloads and special gift items.

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 22, 2009
A Fresh Brewed Faith
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:29-31, NIV)

Friend To Friend
Every morning, I walk straight to the coffee pot and push the ON button. I'm a total coffee girl. I like a piping-hot, extra dark roast with half and half, and I struggle to function without my first cup of coffee. I crave that first sip and relish the warmth of the mug in my hands. I jokingly call it my "warm, happy friend." My mornings just wouldn't be the same without coffee! :-)

We should have the same attitude about our faith.  We should wake up each morning bursting at the seams to be with God. To be in His presence. To listen for His still small voice. To savor Him. A faith that is brewed fresh daily strengthens us, renews us, and enables us to mount up with wings like eagles. To experience the power of God in our lives. To run and not grow weary. To walk and not faint.

This energizing, percolated faith is readily available to all who ask, seek and knock (Matthew 7:7-8). How can you experience this power in your life? By getting alone with God, reading the Bible, and listening for His voice each day. "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17, ESV).

Like a morning with no coffee, there are times when we are sluggish in our faith. There are times we need a shot of God-caffeine in our day. A spiritual espresso. What can we do at these times? Are there things in the Scriptures that tell us how can we strengthen and jump-start our faith? Absolutely!

One practical way to build your faith is by remembrance. When David was just a shepherd boy, he had courage to face a giant partly because he remembered the previous victories the Lord allowed him to experience. He approached King Saul with great confidence, saying: "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1Samuel 17:36, NIV). His past victories fueled his faith. Ours do the same. We can face our giants with equal confidence when we pause to remember how God has worked in our past.

Corrie Ten Boom said, "Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible."

What has God brought you through in the past? Think on these things, and choose to trust Him to bring you through all you face today and tomorrow. When you trust God with a fresh brewed faith, He will be your Strength, your Sustainer, and your Hiding Place so you can run and not grow weary - walk and not be faint. Fill up your faith cup right now.

Let's Pray
Dear God, You have brought me through so many challenging times. Please give me a fresh shot of faith that equips me to live today in Your strength. Help me to trust You, and keep me from leaning on my own understanding.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read 1 Samuel 17.

Consider specific times that God has moved in your life. Grab a journal and list them.

Pray for God to increase your faith and give you the strength you need for today.

More From The Girlfriends
Facing any giants? God will strengthen you for the battle! Arm yourself in the power of the Spirit of GOD (Ephesians 6:10-18). When you do, no weapon formed against you can prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Go, fight, win, girlfriend!

GOT FACEBOOK? Stop by Gwen's Facebook Music Page at www.Facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic. While you're there, be sure to listen to a few songs, leave a message on her wall, and add her as a friend!

GOT BEAUTY? God delights to transform lives...including your own.  In her book, Broken Into Beautiful, Gwen Smith invites you to experience how the unconditional love of Jesus can change your life and then stand back and watch the wonder of grace at work.  He is willing to eternally forgive and forget and to transform your life into something beautiful.

GOT A HEART FOR WORSHIP? Download Gwen's live worship CD, Unsearchable, from iTunes, or order the CD from the store on her website.

[Judy Harder]

October 23, 2009
Learning to Harness our Anger
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Proverbs 19:11 "People with good sense restrain their anger."

Friend To Friend
I once heard it said that small pots boil over quickly and so do small people. Ouch! I don't want to be a small person known for her quick temper.  The life of Nehemiah gives us a wonderful example of how to control and deal with anger.  Nehemiah had come back to Jerusalem from a high position in the court.  He had come to supervise the rebuilding of the Jerusalem walls.  A delegation of Hebrews had come with him hoping to make a profit.  They took advantage of the poor by enslaving widows and children, by taking the property of people who were sick and unable to defend themselves. Nehemiah was furious but he models for us the right way to deal with anger.

Nehemiah 5:6-7 "When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry.  I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials.  So I called together a large meeting to deal with them."

In this passage, we find four ways to deal with anger.

Admit your anger

We must be honest about our anger, which can be a problem if we don't like to admit we are angry. We have convinced ourselves that if we deny our anger, we don't have to deal with it.  Consequently, we disguise anger by wrapping it in sarcasm, gossip, criticism, complaining, silence or aggression.  It simmers on a back burner until one day, it explodes all over our lives and we wonder where in the world that came from. To deal with our anger, we must be willing to say the words, "I am very angry!"  That's emotional integrity.  1 Chronicles 29:17 describes God's pleasure with our transparency, "I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there."  We must be real in order to be right. When you are angry, be honest enough to admit it.
 
Postpone your anger   

Proverbs 29:11 "A stupid man gives free rein to his anger; a wise man waits and lets it grow cool."

To "cool it" is a spiritual exercise. When my daughter was about six-years-old, she and I were engaged in a battle of wills.  I wanted her to go to sleep but she had other plans for the evening, none of which included sleep.  When she figured out that I was not going to give in, Danna stomped to her room in a fit of fury.  In a few minutes, I went in to make peace.  I opened the door to see her sitting on the bed, arms crossed, teeth clinched and eyes flashing!  "Danna, let's talk about this", I said.  To which she responded, "Mama, I can't talk right now.  My mad is too big!"

When Jesus saw the money changers in His Father's temple, He was furious.  He stopped - stepped over to the side and began braiding a whip. Now, it was not because He had taken "Whip Braiding 101"!  Jesus was "cooling it" because His mad was too big!

Then with harnessed anger, Jesus drove the money changes out.  In other words, the longer you hold your temper, the more it improves. 

Dismiss your anger

James 1:19-21 "Do not become angry easily, because anger will not help you live the right kind of life God wants.  So put out of your life every evil thing and every kind of wrong."

When anger strikes, we need to stop and ask ourselves some important questions:

·         Why am I really angry?

·         Is it important?

·         Will it matter in a year?

·         What action do I need to take?

And sometimes, we should simply dismiss our anger.

Proverbs 19:11 "A wise person is patient. He will be honored if he ignores a wrong done against him."

Maturity is the ability to overlook a hurt, to dismiss anger.  When Jered was ten years old and Danna was seven, they went through a stretch when everything Danna did irritated Jered.  Jered has a big temper and God was using Danna to teach him how to control it.  One day, when Jered was very frustrated and on the edge of losing it, I took him aside and said, "You have a choice.  You can be angry and frustrated every time your sister does something that you don't like, or you can choose to throw your anger away. We came up with the "mad board" which was a piece of wood with nails driven in half-way.  We then told Jered that when he got angry, he could go to the garage, hammer the nails all the way in and then throw the board away. We all need "anger boards" of some kind.  Pray, meditate on a verse about anger, count to ten, make good use of a punching bag, take a long walk or a cold shower.  You get the idea!  Some anger should simply be dismissed as unworthy to occupy space in our lives. 

Resolve your anger

1 Peter 3:8 "All of you should live together in peace."

When we can't dismiss our anger because it is attached to an important issue, we have to resolve it.  We postpone anger for a short time only to decide if we need to dismiss it or resolve it.

Ephesians 4:26-27 "When you are angry, do not sin, and be sure to stop being angry before the end of the day.  Do not give the devil a way to defeat you."

We must deal with anger on a daily basis because when we hold on to our anger, it hardens, settling into our soul and taking root as bitterness.  Satan loves bitterness, making it a dwelling place from which he dispenses defeat.  When we hold on to anger, it becomes an open door for other sins to rush in.  Shut that door by learning to deal with your anger.

Let's Pray

Father, I confess to You that I have failed in the ways I have been dealing with my anger.  But I want to do it Your way from now on.  Fill my life with Your peace.  And when I am angry, please guide me and empower me to walk in obedience. 

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Memorize and meditate on the following verses.  Make them a part of your arsenal in the battle to deal with anger:

Proverbs 25:28 "Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit."

Proverbs 14:16b "A fool is hotheaded and reckless."

Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up." 

Ephesians 4:31 "Do not be bitter or angry or mad.  Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others."

More From The Girlfriends
Every single one of us deals with anger on a daily basis.  The problem is that we deal with it in the wrong way.  I want to be like Nehemiah and please God by dealing with anger His way.  I know you want the same thing.  Let's pray for each other this week.

The holidays are coming!  Get ready!  Mary's books, Escaping the Stress Trap and Sandpaper People can help you prepare - inside - for a great holiday season. 

Need help?  Check out Mary's E-Bible Study, Anger Management 911 for powerful and practical ways to harness the power of anger and use it for good in your life.  Be sure to take a look at Mary's weekly online bible study, Light for the Journey, if you are looking for a practical and powerful way to study God's word.  Blessings.

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


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

[Judy Harder]

October 26, 2009
From Bitter to Better
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many"  (Hebrews 12:15 NIV).

Friend To Friend
"She's just a bitter old woman!"  Have you ever heard someone described in that way?  I have.  And amazingly, when someone uses the word "bitter," I know exactly what they mean.  Webster defines bitter as "galling; exhibiting intense animosity, harshly reproachful, marked by cynicism and rancor."  It stems from deep seated anger and a lack of forgiveness that plants itself into a soul and is watered and fertilized by playing and replaying the video of the offense in the theater of the mind. 

Paul warns us that having a "root of bitterness" can grow up and "defile many" (Hebrews 12:15).   James tell us that bitterness is from the devil (James 3:14-15).  And Peter cautions that bitterness can keep us from being effective in ministry (Acts 8:22-24). 

Just like Naomi in the story of Ruth, bitterness in our hearts will produce bitterness in our actions.  The only way to be free of bitterness is to let go of past offenses and refuse to collect them.  Collect antiques, beanie babies, or even shoes.  But don't collect grudges.  There's not enough storage space in your heart to bear the load.  Grudges just tumble out every time the door to your mouth is opened.

"My mother used to be a bitter woman," Tim explained.  "But then she got Alzheimer's disease and forgot what she was so bitter about.  She actually became a very pleasant person to be around."  Oh, that we would forget while we are still well enough to enjoy the freedom!

Rather than growing bitter, choose to be better!  Think on the words to this poem found in John Cook's book, The Book of Positive Quotations. 

The Hard Way

For every hill I've had to climb,
For every stone that bruised my feet,
For all the blood and sweat and grime,
For blinding storms and burning heat,
My heart sings but a grateful song-
These were the things that made me strong. 

Those do not sound like the words of a bitter person but a better person.  The fact is that hurt is inevitable in relationships.  We are sinful creatures living in a fallen world and it is only by the grace of God that we can be a blessing to anyone.  The only way to be better rather than bitter is to extend the same grace to others that God extended to us through Jesus Christ.  The key to writing a beautiful life story is to have a pencil with a good eraser.

If ever there was a person who had the "right" to be bitter, it was Joseph.  The Bible tells us he was thrown into a pit and left for dead, sold into slavery, falsely accused of attempted rape, forgotten by his friends, and unjustly detained in a prison cell for many years.  And yet, after his release and subsequent appointment as governor of Egypt, he came face-to-face with the very brothers who caused his demise. Rather than give them the punishment they deserved, he said, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).  Joseph chose not to be bitter, but to allow his circumstances to make him better.  And with God's help, we can do the same.

Let's Pray
Dear LORD, I choose to let the struggles of life make me better and not bitter.  I forgive those who have hurt me and refuse to hold a grudge.  I will look for the good in every difficult situation and think the best of others.  I know that a bitter heart produces bitter fruit, and I refuse to allow my heart to get caught in that trap. Now, Lord, help me accomplish what I have just confessed.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Go back and read the story of Joseph in Genesis 37, 39-50.

Look for all the things that Joseph could have become bitter about.

What can you learn from Joseph?

Examine your heart and see if there is any bitterness lurking there. 

I always love to hear from my girlfriends in God.  To comment on today's devotion, visit www.sharonjaynes.com/blog .

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. Also, if you are having trouble forgiving those who have hurt you, you might want to check out Your Scars Are Beautiful to God: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Hurts of your Past. 

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 27, 2009
Unshakable Peace
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." (Psalm 16:8, NIV)

Friend To Friend
Susan lived "the good life." One filled with prosperity and love. For years, she and her husband owned a thriving business that allowed them and their children to be surrounded with beautiful material things. They had a glorious lake home, a lavish boat, and luxury cars. Everything the world counts as gain. In spite of their earthly wealth, when faced with the truth of the Gospel, Susan and her husband realized that they were spiritually bankrupt and in desperate need of a Savior.  Within months of each other, Susan and her husband both accepted Christ and began to thrive in newly found faith.

A few years into faith, Susan was squeezed by difficult circumstances. The family business took a turn for the worse and had to close its doors - leaving many friends and families jobless. Then the IRS audited her husband. Scary legal ramifications threatened to crush them if large amounts of money were not paid to accommodate accounting debt. Financially ruined and emotionally stunned, Susan and her husband were forced to sell all that they owned.

Two years later, they're still wading through the deep waters of financial strain. Their debts are far from being forgiven and the economy has grown progressively dim.  Through the turmoil Susan has chosen to trust in God as her Provider. As she does, God faithfully fills her with supernatural peace, strength, and joy. She has experienced God's provision through His Word, through His presence, and through her friends. When her pantry has been empty, God knew. He sent friends to her home with bags of groceries and gift cards. When her soul has been discouraged, God knew. He sent reminders of His promises and love through Scripture and through the encouragement of godly women. Despite the fact that her bank account is still bare and every day is still hard, Susan considers herself to be wealthier now than ever.

No matter what you go through, you can experience unshakable peace, and declare, "I will not be shaken!" as the psalmist did in Psalm 16:8. God knows what you are going through. God's Word promises peace to the believer through Jesus Christ.

Part of our unsettled nature is that we try to cling to the things of earth - the "American way" of living and the here and now.  When we put our trust in things of this world, we give anxiety, fear, jealously, discontentment, greed, and insecurity open access to our lives. Instead of finding ways to hold on to what you have, be encouraged today to let go! Let go of what doesn't matter! 

"So do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:31-34, NIV).

Seek God first, above and before any earthly thing. God wants us to store up treasures where moth and rust will not destroy. When we do, He promises that we can live with an unshakable peace that passes understanding.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I need your unshakable peace! Please forgive me for placing my trust and hope in things of this earth. As the psalmist David said, "Apart from You, I have no good thing." Lead my soul to find rest in You and in Your perfect plan for my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Read Psalm 16. Underline your favorite verses and consider committing them to memory.

What are you putting your faith in?

Is it possible that you are in a difficult position of your own making? Ask God to search your heart and reveal to you any ways that are contrary to His.

More From The Girlfriends
One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 105:4. ""Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always." No matter what challenges you or your loved ones are facing today, this verse will direct you to the strength of the Lord - our source for unshakable faith. Go in His strength today, friend.

Gwen's book Broken Into Beautiful features a compelling personal story coupled with relevant biblical teaching and application. Readers will meet women wounded by infidelity, abortion, widowhood, abuse, and other tragic events, only to discover the joy of being restored by a loving heavenly Father. The book reminds women of all ages of God's willingness to eternally forgive and forget and of His heart to transform broken lives. Readers will be empowered to believe truth, to remember grace, and to live for God's greater purposes. Broken into Beautiful is ultimately about a beautiful Savior who became broken for us so that all who are broken can be transformed to reflect His beauty.

Download Gwen's live worship CD, Unsearchable, from iTunes, or order the CD from the store on her website. If you don't have the resources to invest in your worship library right now, listen to Gwen's music FREE on her MUSIC FACEBOOK PAGE: http://www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic.

Like saving money?  Check out the SPECIALS on Gwen's website!  When you order more than one CD, you save!! :-)

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 28, 2009
Time - Friend or Foe?
Part 1
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity..."

Friend To Friend
Time management is a dreaded and often ignored spiritual discipline. We choose where to invest our time, carefully planning everything from coffee with friends to grocery shopping - but fail to schedule the most important activity of all, spending time with God. Being wrapped up in God's work can easily become a shabby substitute for being wrapped up in Him. Discipline carves out time to sit at His feet. 

Sin thrives in an out-of-control life, a life without godly discipline.  Temptation happily dances across overcrowded schedules.  Our minutes, hours and days are precious commodities, gifts from God that can be unwrapped only once.  We can become so busy meeting the needs of others that we destroy ourselves in the process.

I cannot tell you how many men and women I know who have given themselves away for so long that there is nothing left to give.  Marriages disintegrate, children rebel and purpose fades because flawed priorities dictate wrong living. 

Let me be very clear on this point.  Authentic living empowers and energizes.  I often hear people joke, "Why, I'd rather burn out than rust out!"  The problem with that statement is that either way - they are out - and the absence of godly discipline is too often the culprit behind life dropouts.  In an effort to prove our worth, we rush headlong through pointless days. I often hear the flawed thinking, "Mary, it's true that I am very busy, but I am busy doing good things." Those words were the cry of my heart, just before I crashed and burned, landing in a pit of clinical depression, a monument to my insecurity. 

From the bottom of that pit, it was easy to see just how skewed my perspective of time really was. I had poured years into making my plan successful only to discover that God resources and empowers His plan alone. It was painfully obvious that I needed an attitude adjustment, an eternal perspective kindled by godly discipline. I needed to understand that my time is not really mine but a treasure on loan to me from God.  Every plan, priority and goal must be held against the backdrop of eternity because it is from that backdrop that our priorities are validated, our calling confirmed and our time best invested.

A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?" The young boy was apologetic. "Please, mister ... please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do," He pleaded. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop." 

With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. "It's my brother. He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up."  Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me."

Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. "Thank you and God bless you," the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.

It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: "Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!" God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts and sometimes, when we are busy and think we don't have time to listen, He may even throw a brick at us to get our attention.

Let's face it.  If we don't set priorities for life, others will. Time thieves will steal the hours and days as we allow them to impose their plans and demands on us. While it is true that different men and women have different priorities in different seasons of ministry, it is also true that one priority remains steadfast. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God" (Matthew 6:33 NIV). Once that priority is firmly established, the rest of life will simply fall into place. 

Godly priorities embrace God's plan.  I am convinced that much of our frustration in life comes from doing things we were never intended to do.  We create the plan as we go instead of resting in the plan He has for us.  Discipline guides each step and establishes a basis for obedience and success.

Let's Pray
Father, please help me slow down and really see my world and the hurting people in it. I no longer want to waste time. I want to invest it wisely according to Your plan for my life. Give me the strength to establish and keep my priorities in line with Your purpose.  I surrender my agenda to You, Lord.  Be glorified in it.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Set aside some time this week to get alone with God. 

Make a list of your priorities - your real priorities. Take a look at your calendar and wallet for hints as to what you think is important.

Do those priorities line up with God's plan for your life?

What changes do you need to make in order to live each day in obedience to God?

More From The Girlfriends
With the holidays just around the corner, my thoughts immediately turn to family, friends and time. I really want this holiday season to be meaningful and as stress-free as possible! So I am starting early!

Mary has two NEW E-Book Bible Studies available!  I Need a Friend and Time: Friend or Foe? (from which today's devotion was taken). These studies are perfect for personal or small group study.  Each study is presented in an attractive PDF format, is easy to download and copy on your home computer and includes a helpful study guide as well.

Need gift ideas?  This year, why not give gifts that are life-changing?  Enroll a friend or family member in Mary's weekly online bible study, Light for the Journey.  The current topic is 7 Habits of a Powerful Life. 

Browse through Mary's online store for that perfect gift of encouragement - a book, CD, MP3 download, E-Bible Study and special gift items.

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