Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

December 24, 2009 

Silent Night
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).

Friend To Friend
Tomorrow is Christmas Day. I imagine if you're like most of us, you are still scurrying about with last minute Christmas preparations.  What do you think the angels were doing on that first Christmas Eve?  Do you think the heavenly host had one last choir practice before their concert on the hillside? Do you think God was making sure that everyone was in their proper places on the kingdom stage before the curtain rose to begin the grandest drama of all time? Do you think the Holy Spirit was hovering low over the entire world, stirring the hearts of men and women to receive the greatest gift of all?

I'm not sure what was happening in the heavenly realm the night before Jesus was born.  But I do know that my heart is aglow with the joy that tomorrow we celebrate Jesus' birth once again.

Perhaps you have sung the words to Christmas carols hundreds of times in your life.  But today, I encourage you to pause and read the words to one of my favorites as if you are seeing them for the first time.  Read slowly.  Ponder the words. "Glories stream from heaven afar"...picture it. "With the dawn of redeeming grace"...savor it.  "Christ the Savior it born"...celebrate it.

Silent night, holy night
All is calm all is bright
'Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia;
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born

Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, My heart quietly waits in anticipation of the grand celebration that tomorrow brings.  Thank you for the gift of Your Son.  Thank You for redeeming grace.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

The Girlfriends in God, Mary, Sharon, and Gwen, pray that you will have a joy-filled Christmas Day celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We love 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]

December 25, 2009 

Happy Birthday, Jesus! 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Luke 2:8-12 "Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you:  You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger" (NKJV).

Friend to Friend

Happy Birthday to You! 

Happy Birthday to You! 

Happy Birthday, dear Jesus! 

Happy Birthday to You!

Christmas is the birthday of Jesus Christ! I have always wondered why we typically celebrate His birth by giving gifts to everyone but Him. What gifts does He want from us?  What gifts are fit for the King? To answer that question let's go back to that first Christmas and see what gifts He received that holy night.


The gift of trust

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight."

Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, was a teenager, probably fourteen or fifteen years old, engaged to Joseph when an angel appeared to her with the startling message that she would have a baby, a son named Jesus. Since she was still a virgin she did not fully understand the message but she knew the One who had sent it - and that was enough.  Trust is a gift fit for the King.


The gift of obedience 

John 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command."   

Joseph's engagement to Mary was legally binding. Imagine his shock and confusion when he learned that Mary was pregnant. Knowing that he could not possibly be the baby's father, Joseph's first reaction was to divorce Mary quietly. An angel from God appeared and told Joseph to "keep her but do not sleep with her!" Now Joseph's response could have been many things but he chose to respond in obedience.  A small child riding in the car wanted to stand in the front seat by his father. The dad explained the importance of a seat belt and told the little boy to sit down.  The boy refused, crossing his little arms in defiance. Finally, the father physically sat his son down and buckled him into the seat, bragging on the little boy for his obedience. With a glare, his son said, "I may be sitting down on the outside but I'm still standing up on the inside."  Obedience is an active and deliberate choice to do what God wants us to do.  Obedience is not just an outward motion - it is also an inward attitude - and a gift fit for the King.


The gift of praise

Psalm 50:6 "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." 

When the shepherds heard the angels' news, they went to see Jesus for themselves. After they saw the baby, they left praising God!  Anytime we are in the presence of God, praise will result.  Praise is also a continual choice that we make again and again until it becomes a habit.  Don't let anyone or any circumstance keep you from praising God!  Praise keeps us kneeling before the manger and is a gift fit for the King." 


The gift of sacrifice

Romans 12:1 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship."

The Wise Men came; bringing gifts that required sacrifice because they knew that true worship always involves sacrifice. Gold, a precious metal, Incense, a rare and expensive product used in worship and Myrrh, an expensive perfume were the gifts they brought to Jesus.  Sacrifice goes beyond what is required or expected. The best gift - the most expensive and extravagant gift should go to the one whose birthday we celebrate.  Gifts of trust, obedience, praise and sacrifice please God and are gifts fit for the King.

In other words, the best gift that we can give God at Christmas is US!  May the words of this children's song be the prayer of our hearts this Christmas Day:

"I'm gonna wrap up myself for Christmas
And tie me with a big red bow.
That's what I'm giving to Jesus.
It's a present He'll like I know."

Merry Christmas!

Let's Pray
Lord, today I celebrate Your birth.  Thank You for the gift of life and love I find in knowing You.  My Christmas gift to You is everything I am, everything I have, everything I hope to be.  I love You, Lord.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Have a birthday party for Jesus today.  Bake a cake, sing "Happy Birthday" and worship Him by surrendering to His plan and provision for your life. 

Leave one Christmas decoration out this year as a reminder of His birth and what His presence means every single day.

Consider the following questions:


What is the meaning of Christmas in my life? 
How can I lead my family to celebrate the birth of Jesus? 
What has been the most meaningful part of this Christmas holiday?  Why?

More From The Girls   

Sharon, Gwen and I pray that today is a true celebration of Jesus Christ in your life.  Carve out time today to spend alone with Him.  Praise and worship Him for who He is, Lord, King, Father and Shepherd.  He is Friend of the wounded heart and the Great Physician.  He is our Everything and He is Emmanuel - God with us. Merry Christmas!

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]

December 28, 2009 

Emergency! Emergency! 

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always" (Psalm 105:4NIV).

Friend To Friend
My husband, Steve, graduated from dental school in 1981. For the first two years, I was his only employee:  his dental hygienist, dental assistant, receptionist, and insurance clerk.  On the days that I was not helping him, I worked for another dentist in town.  I was so exhausted most of the time that our joke became, "Sharon works six days a week and cries on the seventh." 

One thing that amazed me, in starting a new practice, was all the emergency phone calls that Steve received on nights and weekends.  I usually answered the phone and asked the caller several questions, one of which was, "Mrs. Jones, how long have you been having this problem?"   Invariably the patient would say, "three days," "two weeks," "a month."  I always thought, "So why did you wait until Saturday to call?"  Of course, being the sweet person that I am, I never said that.

One night the phone rang at about 2:00 a.m.  I groggily picked up the phone and managed a weak, "Hello."

"Hello," the woman on the other end stated.  "My son is having a terrible toothache.  Is the doctor in?"

Where did she think he would be, other than "in" at 2:00 in the morning?   "Yes ma'am, he is.  How long has this tooth been bothering your son?"

"Oh, I'd say for about two weeks," she answered.

So why did you wait until now to call (thought, not said, of course). I spoke with this mother for a few more minutes. Something about this call signaled a red flag in my mind. Then I asked, "Ma'am, how old is your son?"

"Twenty-seven," She answered.  "My son is twenty-seven-years- old." 

I was so shocked that I quickly sat up in the bed, accidentally jerking the phone cord out of the wall, and disconnecting the caller.  She did not call back.  I had envisioned a distraught mother with a crying five year old.  But twenty-seven?  Oh my.

I laid back down complaining and grumbling.  "Lord, why is it that people won't go to the doctor regularly but only want help on demand when they have an emergency?"

When I got quiet enough to listen, I heard God's still small voice whisper to my heart - "Now you know how I feel."

Let's Pray
Dear Father, I am so sorry that I tend to come to You only when I have an emergency.  I know that You long for me to come to You every day simply to tell you how much I love You and how thankful I am for all You do for me.  Today, I want to say just that...I love You.  Thank You for Your loving kindness toward me, Your little child.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
I hope you laughed at today's devotion...at least cracked a smile.  Doesn't God have a wonderful sense of humor?  Now let's think about the lessons learned.

Do you tend to pray more often when you are in need?

If you are a parent, how would you feel if your child only talked to you when he or she needed something?

As a parent, what sort of conversations do you long for?  What does your heart good?

Now, what do you think Your Heavenly Father longs to hear from you?

I always love to hear your thoughts.  Come by for a visit at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes

More From The Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's book, Becoming a Woman who Listens to God.  If you would like to make hearing from God a daily experience in your life, then this book will sharpen your spiritual ears!

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]

December 29, 2009 

Let me think about it! 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Proverbs 4:23 (ICB) "Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life." 

Friend To Friend
I just love going through airport security where I am required to show my driver's license to several hundred security personnel. My bags are rammed through an x-ray machine and I repeatedly have to answer the same set of questions about the contents of every bag. If you fly at all, you know the drill. "Are these your bags? Have they been in your possession at all times? Has anyone given you anything to carry on the plane? Please jump through this fiery hoop, prepare for a strip search and roll up your sleeve. Oh, and we will need a blood sample." Well, I may have added a question or two, but it seems like a ridiculous and necessary ordeal ... until I stop and remember that the security check is a life-saving process for my good and for the safety of every person on my plane. We should have this same attitude about our thoughts.           

In 2 Corinthians 10:5 (ICB), Paul instructs us to "capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ." Capturing thoughts is an obedient and powerful tactic of spiritual warfare, taking hold of wrong thinking and wrestling it into a disciplined submission. The Word of God is the filter through which every thought should pass. When those old, false mental tapes begin to play, dismiss them with Scripture. When temptation comes or a crisis looms, lean on His truth. We can't use the Word of God unless it is hidden in our heart.

Years ago, we moved into a great house with a huge back yard, which our children immediately proclaimed as "the perfect spot for a trampoline." Since they had worked so hard helping us move, we rewarded them by buying the trampoline they had wanted for so long. As we unpacked and assembled the trampoline, I also unpacked memories from my college years.

One of my P.E. courses included six weeks of instruction on the trampoline. My class couldn't wait to get started! However, before anyone set foot on that trampoline, the professor spent several class periods going over the safety rules. We didn't need rules!  How hard could it be? You get on the thing and jump! Not so, according to our teacher.

With great persistence, she detailed rule after rule, especially the one about making sure you "lead your body with your head" - or something like that - I really wasn't listening. She persisted, even though it was obvious that we were ready for her to be quiet, move out of the way and let us jump. I guess she thought desperate measures were called for as she began sharing every injury of every student in every class she had ever taught over the years - injuries that happened, she said, because the students were impatient and ignored the rules.

Finally, the teacher ended the class by saying, "Good gymnasts know that where their head goes, the rest of their body will eventually follow." To this day, every time I see a trampoline, those words pop into my mind. And they are just as true when applied to our thoughts.

In the war with temptation and sin, our greatest battlefield is the mind. We are constantly at war for its control. To live right, must think right. Proverbs 23:7 (NASB) says it well, "For as he thinks within himself, so he is."  Everything we do or say originates with a single thought. Filling our minds with truth will fill our lives with truth. Isaiah says "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You." (Isaiah 26:3 NLT) In this verse, fixed" literally means "loyal or faithful" and refers to the same kind of faithfulness found in marriage. In order to discipline and guard our thoughts, we must make the commitment of being married to the truth of God. 

If, however, our minds are not filled with truth, the enemy will pollute them with lies. Polluted minds produce polluted lives but mind pollution can only happen with our permission. I am amazed at how many of us rarely have a fresh word from God or a new truth found in a daily quiet time with Him. God's Word is a powerful purification system for the mind, reprogramming and training thoughts to line up according to God's standards. Depositing God's Word into the mind results in a holy discernment and God-given strength to recognize and turn away from sin. It is the idea of placing a sentry or guard at the entrance of the mind, giving him the authority to determine what does or does not come in. We are quick to give the custody of our mind away to lesser things, to unworthy goals or desires and thoughts, to sin. Understand that if it is going on in the mind, it is reality and often the first step toward the edge of a very dangerous cliff.

The story is told of an eagle perched on a block of ice just above Niagara Falls. As the swift current carried the ice and the great eagle closer to the edge of the falls, the eagle ignored the warning cries of other birds and animals. "I have great and powerful wings," he boasted. "I can fly from my perch at any time. I can handle it." Suddenly the edge of the falls was only a few feet away, the torrent of water carrying the block of ice over the powerful cascade. The eagle spread his massive wings to mount up over the impending doom only to discover that it was too late. His claws were frozen to the cake of ice. Sin is like that. 

When we allow our minds to "perch" on sinful thought patterns, we entertain destruction.  Our arrogance blinds us to the ramifications of sinful behavior and soon, we find ourselves on the brink of disaster, wondering how we got there. How many lives are destroyed by a habit that began with one wrong thought?  Have you allowed destructive thoughts to rule your life? No more! Right now, choose God's truth over Satan's lies. Get God's Word into your mind ... and think about it!

Let's Pray
Father, as this New Year begins, I want to honor You with my thoughts, attitudes and behavior. Right now, I choose to put Your truths into my mind by reading and memorizing Scripture more consistently. Help me to see those things that create negative and destructive thoughts and then give me the strength to eliminate each one. Thank You for the power of the Bible. Help me to plug it into my mind and life today.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read and memorize the following verses:


            Isaiah 26:3   

            Proverbs 23:7 

            2 Corinthians 10:5


When a negative or destructive thought comes to mind, dismiss it by saying one of these verses aloud.

Ask God to make you more aware of thoughts that do not honor and please Him.

Identify and eliminate any sources of unworthy thoughts (television shows, movies, books, conversations)

Ask your family to hold you accountable. Give them permission to correct you when your words are destructive. Then correct the thought that led to those negative words.

More From The Girlfriends
I know. Retraining our thought life is one of the most challenging parts of the journey for me. I can think one wrong thought and before I know it, I am overwhelmed by darkness, despair, anger and just plain destructive thoughts! I am convinced that the habit of reading and memorizing Scripture is our greatest weapon in the battle for the mind.

Need help in developing the habit of a daily time in the Word of God and in prayer?  We all do, girlfriend!  Mary's weekly online bible study, Light for the Journey, may be the solution for you. Take a look at the topics for 2010.  Remember, God's Word is the secret to a life of victory and power!

You can also now connect with Mary on Facebook!  I would love to hear your "thoughts about thoughts."

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]

December 30, 2009 

Held By Hope 

Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19 (NIV)

Friend To Friend
Have you ever wanted to travel back in time to be an eyewitness of the celestial celebration that took place in Bethlehem the night that Jesus was born?  Now, I am quite particular about fashion, but I'd even consider donning shepherd garb and hanging out with a few sheep for that opportunity! To see angels fill the sky, to hear the voice of God through the cries of a baby. To catch a glimpse of the brilliant Star of David, and to satisfy my curiosity as to what exactly a host of heavenly angels sounds like.

Oh, and to talk to Mary!  Wouldn't that be amazing to hear what she was thinking as she witnessed, and took part in the greatest miracle ever known to man? This baby she gave birth to was God made flesh, a true bundle of love.  What do you think she treasured in her heart as she took it all in?  I'm struck by this thought:  As she held the Hope of the world, the Hope of the world was also holding her. Ponder that!

The baby born in a barn that holy night long ago is the Hope of the world - the Grace that saves us - the Love that heals us.  Jesus is Hope that changes our worthless into precious, our guilty to forgiven, our hungry into satisfied, and our empty into full.  His presence is inescapable.  We cannot flee from His stubborn grip.  The psalmist, David said: "If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.  If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast" (Psalm 139:8-10).

The Bible tells us in the New Testament that Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of God, the Father in heaven. God's Word clearly shows us that Jesus "holds us fast." Relish that thought. The Hope that holds us is Jesus Christ. We are held by Hope.

In the Old Testament, God told Joshua that He would "never leave or forsake" him (Joshua 1:5). God says the same to us. He will never leave us or forsake us; no matter the circumstances, not matter the diagnoses, no matter the financial struggle. Our faithful LORD is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We can rest assured that in everything, we are held by Hope.

After His resurrection and before His ascension into heaven, Jesus said, "Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).  A Bible-teaching girlfriend of mine (Not to drop any names ... cough ... Mary Southerland) often reminds her audiences that the word "always" actually means ... drum roll please ... "always."  He is always with us.  Always loving us.  Always wanting us to find comfort, refuge, joy and satisfaction in Him.

As a New Year dawns, let's be mindful of God's promise that we are never alone. Just like the shepherds received the headline news of Jesus' birth from singing angels so long ago, receive this glad tiding of great joy today: If you are in Christ, then you are held by Hope.

Let's Pray
Holy Father, You are more wonderful. Thank You for sending Jesus, my Hope, to forgive me, to love me, and to restore me to Your heart.  I join the psalmist today in praying, "Sustain me according to Your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.  Uphold me, and I will be delivered" (Psalm 119:116-117a).  I'm leaning into Your heavenly hug today.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Are you held by Hope?  Have you received the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ?  Are you seeking God?  He's waiting with His arms open wide.  CLICK HERE to find out more about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

More From The Girlfriends
Friend, I know that as sweet as Christmas is, it will be hard for many of you this year.   Pain is no respecter of persons, and loneliness can find us in a crowded room.  I pray that you will find comfort in knowing that - whether you feel it or not - you are being held by the loving God of the universe. 

I'd love to pray for you today. Please visit my FACEBOOK PAGE and leave a prayer request on my wall. GiGs from all over the world will see your post and join us in prayer.

NEED ENCOURAGEMENT and INSPIRATION? Portions of today's devotion are taken from Gwen's book, Broken Into Beautiful. Order a copy or two as Christmas gifts!

LOVE TO WORSHIP? Download Gwen's live worship CD, Unsearchable, from iTunes, or order the CD from the store on her website. 

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


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

[Judy Harder]

December 31, 2009 

He's Coming Again! 

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Blow a trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm on my holy mountain.  Let all the inhabitants of the earth tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming, surely it is near" (Joel 2:1 NIV)

Friend To Friend
In just a few days, you will most likely be taking down those Christmas decorations and packing them up until next year...when you will be pulling them out and decorating all over again!  Yes, Christmas is coming again...unless Jesus comes back before then.

This year, as you pack away those tinseled treasures, I want you to think about this:  The babe who was born in a manger, who lived a perfect sinless life, who died on the cross and rose again so that you and I can have eternal life...He's coming again!  Only next time he will not come as a babe in a manger, but as a reigning King.

John saw Jesus as He will appear when he returns, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest.  His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.  His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters" Revelation 1:12-16. 

And He has promised that He will come again to reign in Zion forever.  When that day occurs, we will have eternal "peace on earth." 

Listen to what the prophet Isaiah wrote about those final days.


Now it will come about that in the last days, the mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains, and will be raised above the hills; and all the nations will stream to it.  And many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob: that He may teach us concerning His ways.  And that we may walk in His paths."  For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.  And He will judge between the nations, and will render decisions for many peoples; and they will hammer their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks.  Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war. (Isaiah 2:2-4 NASB)

Here's how God revealed Jesus' second coming to John.


I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea.  I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them."  And He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.  And he who sits on the throne said, "Behold I am making all things new."  And he said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."(Revelation 21:1-5 NIV)

I don't know about you, but I can hardly wait.  The prophet Joel said that the day was drawing near.  I don't know when Jesus will return, but I do know that it is sooner than it was yesterday.  Until then, we'll continue to celebrate Christmas until He comes to take us home where we will have the most wonderful eternal Christmas celebration imaginable. And the good news is...God has already decorated for the party.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, Thank You for the promise of heaven.  What a wonderful celebration it will be to see Jesus face-to-face. Until then, I'll celebrate Christmas in my heart everyday, thanking You for the gift of Your Son.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
What about heaven are you looking forward to the most?

Skim through the book of Revelation and note John's description of what he saw in his vision of heaven.

Read Isaiah 6 and note what the angels were singing before the throne of God.

Can you imagine yourself joining the heavenly chorus?

More From The Girlfriends
Heaven will be so amazing!  I can hardly wait.  However, for now, we are here on earth for a purpose and a plan.  As you go into the New Year, if you would like to learn about the incredible plans that God has for your life, see Sharon's book, Dreams of a Woman: God's Plan for fulfilling your 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]

January 1, 2009 

A Desperate Faith 

Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, "My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live." (Mark 5:22-23, NIV)

Friend To Friend
I had a painful phone conversation with a girlfriend recently. She's heavy with hurt.  Spiritually paralyzed by circumstances. Her faith has been greatly challenged and weakened. It broke my heart. I wanted to reach through the phone line and hug her. I wanted to lift her burdens and solve all her problems, but, of course, I couldn't.  So I listened, reminded her of God's love for her, and prayed. 

Are you feeling overwhelmed today? Discouraged by the complicated challenges you face? Perhaps you have a friend who is nursing emotional wounds. There are so many hurting hearts in this world. So many burdens being carried by souls weary of the task. So many people desperate for a miracle from God. Desperate for healing and hope.

God knew we would struggle with difficulties. In His Word, He lovingly points us to Hope. Back in the days of Jesus' ministry, a man, desperate for a miracle, approached Jesus and fell before him.  His daughter was dying. Jesus was his only hope. Here's how it played out in the Message version:

"After Jesus crossed over by boat, a large crowd met him at the seaside. One of the meeting-place leaders named Jairus came. When he saw Jesus, he fell to his knees, beside himself as he begged, "My dear daughter is at death's door. Come and lay hands on her so she will get well and live." Jesus went with him, the whole crowd tagging along, pushing and jostling him." (Mark 5:21-24, MSG)

Along the way, Jesus healed a woman who had suffered from a bleeding disorder for twelve long years.  Jesus said that her faith made her well. "Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you're healed and whole. Live well, lived blessed! Be healed of your plague." (Mark 5:34, MSG)

"While he was still talking, some people came from the leader's house and told him, "Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?" Jesus overheard what they were talking about and said to the leader, "Don't listen to them; just trust me."

He permitted no one to go in with him except Peter, James, and John. They entered the leader's house and pushed their way through the gossips looking for a story and neighbors bringing casseroles. Jesus was abrupt: "Why all this busybody grief and gossip? This child isn't dead; she's sleeping." Provoked to sarcasm, they told him he didn't know what he was talking about.

But when he had sent them all out, he took the child's father and mother, along with his companions, and entered the child's room.  He clasped the girl's hand and said "Talitha koum," which means "Little girl, get up." At that, she was up and walking around!  This girl was twelve years of age. They, of course, were all beside themselves with joy." (Mark 5:35-42, MSG)

Desperate times call for a desperate faith. As Christians, we have faith in a person - God.  Faith in and of itself is meaningless, but faith in an all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful God means everything ... because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Faith is the core of our lives.  It is essential to pleasing God. He wants us to trust Him in every trial and through every trouble.  "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6, NIV)

Like Jairus and the bleeding woman, the best thing you can do is take your needs to Jesus. Purposefully place your faith in the Faithful One. When you fall before Him in prayer, He will sustain and strengthen you - but, rest assured, if you try to handle things in your own strength, you will remain weak and ineffective.

Are you desperate for a miracle today? Is the declining economy, the burden of debt, or soaring unemployment rate affecting you or someone you love? Perhaps you bear the pain of a broken marriage, broken dreams, or a broken body. If you are desperate for healing, help, and hope, ask the Lord to increase your faith today, and make a determined choice to trust Him. When you do, He will meet you at your need and carry the load of your burdens for you.

Let's Pray
Heavenly Father, You are a mighty God, and I'm in need of Your power in my life.  I beg You to move! Please fan the flame of my faith today. I trust that You are in control and ask that You would sustain and strengthen me to face every challenge.
In Jesus' Name I pray,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Read and memorize Matthew 11:28-30. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Call, email or send a card of encouragement to a friend who is hurting. Speak life and hope into her heart.

More From The Girlfriends
Beth Moore once said, "Desperation can be the sweetest gift God ever gave you." I agree. God longs to be our Refuge and Rest in the midst of every storm.  If you love to worship with music, order Gwen's CD, Unsearchable, and allow the songs to usher you into God's presence and fill your heart with praises.   

NEED ENCOURAGEMENT? Allow this prayer song to lift your heart to God's. I wrote in a time when I was overwhelmed with hard times. Turn your speakers up, click over to my Facebook page and listen to COMFORT SONATA.

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]

January 4, 2010 

Living Below the Bar 

by Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"So Mephibosheth ate at David's table like one of the king's sons" (2 Samuel 9:11 NIV).

Friend To Friend
Who in the world is Mephibosheth and what possessed his momma to give him such a name?  Well, I can't answer the second question, but I can shed some light on the first. Mephibosheth was a man who was living way below his potential.  He was the grandson of King Saul and the son of Prince Jonathan, but he lived like a pauper.  When he was a boy, his nurse dropped him while fleeing from their enemies.  As a result, he was crippled in both feet (2 Samuel 9).

When David took over as King of Israel, he wanted to know if there was anyone in Jonathan's household to whom he could show kindness.  Jonathan had been David's best friend and he loved him as a brother.  A servant told David about the crippled Mephibosheth and he was summoned immediately.  Mephibosheth lived in a place called Lo-Debar (meaning a pasture-less land).

My own (very unofficial) translation of Lo-Debar is "below the bar."  Mephibosheth was living below the bar.  He was the grandchild of a king, but he was living in a pasture-less land like a pauper.  When he came before King David he said, "What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?"

David didn't even answer him.  He simply turned to his servant and commanded that all the land that had been Saul's be given back to his grandson and that Mephibosheth should eat at the king's table every day.

Perhaps you are walking around like a cripple because of something that has happened to you as a child.  Perhaps you feel like a "dead dog."  And yet, God is looking for ways to bless you, to restore what has been taken away, and invite you to feast at His table everyday.  Mephibosheth was a grandchild of King Saul and potential heir to the throne.  However, he saw himself as nothing more than a "dead dog," unworthy to receive even the smallest crumb of kindness from David. David's desire was to restore to Mephibosheth all the land that would have been his inheritance and invite him to feast at his table daily. Mephibosheth didn't see himself as he really was.  In reality, he was royalty.  "A dead dog?"  I think not!

Do you see yourself as you really are?  You are a chosen, dearly loved, child of God.  You have been blessed with every spiritual blessing, delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of light!  You, girlfriend, are a child of the King!

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, so many times I walk around with an emotional limp like a wounded animal.  But the truth is, I am a child of the King and I should act like one!  Thank You for inviting me to feast at Your banquet table every morning by feeding my soul from Your Word and drinking in the Holy Spirit's power.  Today, I will not limp about, but run, jump, and even dance with joy!

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Be honest.  Do you act more like the pitiful Mephibosheth or a powerful princess?

What mind adjustment do you need to make to start acting like a child of the King?

You have been invited to feast at His table and do so every time you open the pages of your Bible.  Have you accepted His invitation?

More From The Girlfriends
Unfortunately, many of us limp around like poor old Mephib.  We live below the bar of what God intended.  If you would like to learn more about who you are as a child of God and start living the life God intended all along read, Experience the Ultimate Makeover: Discovering God's Transforming Power by Sharon Jaynes.

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


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

[Judy Harder]

January 5, 2010 

Nothing is Impossible With God 

Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left" (Exodus 14:21-22) NIV.

Friend To Friend
A boy was sitting on a park bench with one hand resting on an open Bible. He was loudly exclaiming his praise to God. "Hallelujah! Hallelujah! God is great!" he yelled without worrying whether anyone heard him or not.

Shortly after, along came a man who had recently completed some studies at a local university. Feeling himself very enlightened in the ways of truth and very eager to show this enlightenment, he asked the boy about the source of his joy.

"Hey" asked the boy in return with a bright laugh, "Don't you have any idea what God is able to do? I just read that God opened up the waves of the Red Sea and led the whole nation of Israel right through the middle."

The enlightened man laughed lightly, sat down next to the boy and began to try to open his eyes to the "realities" of the miracles of the Bible. "That can all be very easily explained. Modern scholars have shown that the Red Sea in that area was only 10 inches deep at that time. It was no problem for the Israelites to wade across.

The boy was stumped. His eyes wandered from the man back to the Bible laying open in his lap. The man, content that he had enlightened a poor, naive young person to the finer points of scientific insight, turned to go. He had taken only two steps when the boy began to rejoice and praise louder than before. The man turned to ask the reason for this resumed jubilation.

"Wow!" exclaimed the boy happily, "God is greater than I thought! Not only did He lead the whole nation of Israel through the Red Sea, He topped it off by drowning the whole Egyptian army in 10 inches of water!"

The Old Testament book of Exodus shows, over and over again, that nothing is impossible with God. Nothing! Moses was an ordinary man who was chosen by God to do an extraordinary task. On the far side of the desert in Midian, high on the mountain of God, Moses met the LORD face to flame. God appeared to Moses "in flames of fire from within a bush."

I would imagine that Moses was probably dirty, sweaty, and stinky from shepherding as he stood on holy ground before the LORD. I'm sure he was keenly aware of his filth and stench, both physically and spiritually. As he slipped off his shoes, he hid his face in fear. Moses did not feel adequate for the assignment that he had been given. He wasn't confident in his abilities to get the job done. In fact, he even pleaded with God to send someone else! Moses said to God in Exodus 4:10, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue."

But God had a plan and Moses was His man. Through 10 plagues and many signs and wonders, God flexed his muscles through Moses. Once Pharaoh had finally let God's people go, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. No compass was necessary. God led His people through the desert with a pillar of clouds by day and a pillar of fire by night. It must have been an amazing sight. It must have been thrilling...up until the point where Pharaoh's army was closing in on them as they approached the Red Sea. Talk about being caught between faith and a hard place! Talk about being faced with a seemingly possible situation! Moses and around two million of his closest Hebrew friends stood at the edge of the water with nowhere to go. They were trapped. "They were terrified and cried out to the LORD" (Exodus 14:10). BUT GOD! God was on time for the miracle show. He had a plan. He made a way. Nothing is too difficult for God!

"Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today...The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still" (Exodus 14:13). God purposed this extravagant rescue for His glory.

"Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left" (Exodus 14:21-22).

The Israelites were saved, and Pharaoh's army was destroyed - all under the watchful eyes of the LORD. God wanted to be glorified through a seemingly impossible situation. He wants to be glorified through the difficult situations that you face, too. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) When we stand with Christ, we stand with power. What Red Sea are you facing? Nothing is impossible with God. When you set aside your doubts and call on the name of the LORD, you can face the waters of your circumstances with a strong confidence, knowing that God is able and willing to do great things in and through you.

Red Sea
Lyrics and Music by Gwen Smith

A battle is raging, the stage is set
Rivers edge, they're placing bets
Facing the water, I'm fighting doubt
I need Your hand to help me out

Part this Red Sea, deliver me
The tide is high, still on the rise
Secure my feet and guide my steps
I won't retreat from this duress
I'm movin', I'm pushin', I'm constantly pressin'
Approaching these waters with holy aggression
Show me Your power, I need intervention
Come and rescue me
Part this Red Sea

Minute by minute new circumstances
Uncharted water, taking my chances
I'm trying to get up the nerve to move
With You on my side, I know I can't lose

Pillar of fire by night on this desert road
Pillar of cloud by day with my heavy load
It's big, it's big, I hear it mocking me
But You are bigger and You can part this sea

©2007 Audio 31 Music / Sunday Best Music / ASCAP

Let's Pray
Dear God, like Moses, I often feel un-equipped to handle the assignments You have given me. You know exactly what waters I face today. As I stand at the water's edge, I commit to trusting Your strength. I will not give in to the fears, frustrations, and doubts that mock me. You are far more powerful than the circumstances of my life. Thank You for reminding me that nothing is too difficult for You.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Grab some paper or your journal and list some "pillars of fire and pillars of clouds" God has placed in your life to give you direction on your journey.

Take a moment to thank God for His leading and seek His heart about direction for your next steps.

Read and meditate on this Scripture: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (Isaiah 43:1-3, NIV)

More From The Girlfriends
I love sharing my music with you! I wish I could fit all the GiGs onto my living room couch, give you a steaming mug of coffee, and sing for each of you personally. :-) Obviously, I can't. But - praise God - we have instant access to music via the Internet. I'd love for you to hear and be encouraged by a song I wrote called Red Sea. So...turn up the volume on your computer and CLICK HERE to listen on my Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic).

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

GOT CHALLENGES? In her book, Broken Into Beautiful, Gwen Smith invites you to experience how the unconditional love of Jesus can change your life and bring strength and healing to your heart.  He can transform your life into something beautiful.

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


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

[Judy Harder]

January 6, 2010 

Climbing Out of the Pit 

Part 1 

Mary Southerland

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

Friend To Friend
Children are wonderfully different!  When our son, Jered, was nine months old, he began to pull up on every piece of furniture that would hold his stocky little frame.  For weeks, he maneuvered his way around our home, until one day, he took his first step ... alone!  It was a step of only inches but we celebrated as if he had run a marathon!  Then there is our daughter, Danna, who crawled when she was five -months-old and before she could even sit up.  We assumed she would be walking within a matter of weeks.  Danna had a different plan.  She never pulled up on a single piece of furniture.  She never took a step, but one day, when she was ten months old, she simply stood up and trotted across the room.  Jered and Danna both walk extremely well today as young adults but they both began with tiny steps and with a plan that was uniquely their own.

Nobody becomes depressed overnight.  Nobody overcomes depression overnight.  The journey out of the pit of depression is a process of steps uniquely planned by your Father.  He is the Guide for your journey out of the darkness.

Step One:  Wait for God.

In Psalm 40:1, David writes, "I waited patiently for the LORD."  I had always thought of waiting as a passive and even wasteful experience.  But while sitting at the bottom of the pit of clinical depression, I began to see that waiting is active and can be a powerful spiritual experience.

To wait means to accept the pit.

Picture yourself falling into a slimy pit.  Your first reaction, like mine, would probably be to frantically claw and struggle, fighting your way out!  When you have used up every ounce of energy, you stop struggling and sit down to rest, waiting for help because that is all you can do.  You have no other options.  When hard times come, we immediately begin to beg and bargain for rescue - for a way of escape.  God loves us too much to waste our pain.  It is a shallow love that always rescues easily.  It is a depthless love that always rescues quickly. Sometimes our Father says wait.  So be patient, accept your pit, and know that He is at work. 

To wait means to admit that there is a problem.

We can be so proud and self-sufficient at times. Admitting that we are helpless and must wait on God is a last resort.  In reality, we can learn to celebrate our helplessness.  We can grow to the place of rejoicing in our weakness because our weakness and helplessness are an invitation for the power of God to take up residence and display itself in our life!  Isaiah tells us that "He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak" (Isaiah 50:29 NLT).

Instead of hiding or trying to rationalize the darkness away, we must be willing to admit that we are struggling with depression. Pride always hinders authenticity.  Emotional health begins at the point of emotional integrity, when we can be truthful enough to say to ourselves and to others "I need help!"  We cannot be right until we choose to be real.

To wait means to practice authenticity. 

When I first began to battle depression, my husband was the pastor/teacher of a large, very visible and fast growing church.  Dan and I had a choice to make.  We could choose to be transparent and real or we could attempt to hide my struggle.  We chose transparency and began to share our pain with the team that God had assembled around us. We then took an even bigger risk by sharing my battle with depression with the entire church.   

We quickly discovered that the sharing of the crisis lessened its grip on our lives.  The response to our transparency and willingness to share our pain with those who had known great pain themselves was overwhelming!  People began to pray.  Cards, letters and Scripture verses came pouring through the mail.  Women would show up at the front door with meals.  At times, others came to clean my house, do my laundry and entertain my children.  Deacons would station themselves at various places in the church building during any worship service that I attended.  If I got "caught" in a difficult situation, all I had to do was turn and nod to them.  They would come, take me by the arm and walk me to my car with a hug and instructions to go home, assuring me that they loved me and were praying for me.

We were created to share our burdens with each other.  Isaiah 35:3-4 is a clear directive, "Strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees. Say to those who are afraid, 'Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.'"  We need each other because a shared load is a lighter load.  Transparency brings healing and authenticity yields restoration.

To wait means to practice solitude.       

In the pit, it is so dark that we cannot see.  All we can do is wait, trust and rest.  In the midst of my depression, I began to discover that darkness is a great place of solitude. Distractions are few. When the Light comes, it is easier to see and the silence makes His voice clear and strong.

Psalm 46:10 advises, "Be still and know that I am God."  We cannot know God on the run.  Solitude lets our souls catch up.  In the jungles of Africa, a tourist who was taking a safari hired natives from a tribe to carry all of the necessary supplies.  On the first day, they walked rapidly and went far.  The tourist was excited because he wanted to get there quickly.  On the second morning, the tourist woke early, ready to go, but the natives refused to move.  They just sat and rested.  When the tourist questioned them, he was told that they had gone too fast the first day.  Now they were waiting for their souls to catch up.

Stress, hurry, and intense activity can cause us to lose our perspective, to disconnect from our true purpose in life.  The busier we are, the more we need regular solitude.  I love the Greek motto that says:  "You will break the bow if you keep it always bent."  I broke! One of the main reasons that I broke was that solitude had never been a part of my life.  I was too busy being spiritual.  I was too busy trying to earn God's love and approval and running from the past.  I was too busy trying to be good enough. 

During my two years in the pit of depression, I gave up every role of leadership in order to spend time in solitude, seeking God.  It felt as if I were giving up my whole identity because so much of who I was had been built upon what I did.  Many times, I walked to the front door of our church, stopped and had to turn away in panic. I just could not make myself go in.  I felt like a total failure as a wife and mother but as I struggled with the guilt and self-condemnation of my frailty, the Father taught me an important truth that has revolutionized my life.  He is more concerned with who I am than what I do!  He loves me - warts and all!  If I never do another thing in the Kingdom, He still loves me.  His love for me is not affected by what I do or don't do.  He simply loves me!  That life-changing truth was born out of darkness - in solitude.

The first step out of the pit is to wait.  While we wait we must admit there is a problem, accept the pit, practice transparency and embrace solitude.

Let's Pray
Father, I come to You - weak, tired and broken.  I admit my great need for You, Lord, and choose to rest in You rather than struggle against You.  By faith, I accept the darkness as an opportunity to wait at Your feet, listening for Your voice alone.  Change me, Lord.  Teach me Your ways. Strip away what is not of You and let stand what is. 

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Not It's Your Turn

·         Set aside 15 minutes every day this week to spend in solitude with God.  Record your thoughts, prayers and needs.  Be brutally honest and transparent as you write.  Then spend a few moments celebrating the fact that His love covers it all. 

·         Why is it so hard to accept the dark times in life?

·         What is keeping me from being transparent? 

·         Would my family and friends describe me as "authentic"? 

·         Am I afraid of solitude?  Why?

More From The Girlfriends
Did you know that several studies identify January 24 as the day when more people are depressed than at any other time of the year?  Family members and holiday guests have gone home and their visit was not what you had hoped it would be.  Perhaps no one came and you were alone.  The credit card bills from Christmas are starting to come in.  You may have just lost your job and are facing a year of financial uncertainty.  The pit of depression and darkness is filled with paralyzing fear and unanswered questions.  Where do we turn?  Who can deliver us from that pit?  God can, my friend.  I know.  He delivered me. 

For more help, visit my website to find free resources on how to deal with depression as well as the MP3 download or CD, Coming Out of the Dark or check out my book, Hope in the Midst of Depression.

The Word of God is your most powerful weapon against the darkness.  Get it into your life.  Read, study and memorize Scripture and allow God's powerful truths to be a mental, emotional and spiritual hedge of protection.  Need help?  Check out Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey, as she begins 2010 with the series, "Aim at Nothing ... And You Will Hit It!"  Learn how to set meaningful and powerful life goals. 

You can also connect with Mary on FaceBook!

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