Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

July 9, 2010 

Doubt Your Doubts 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Hebrews 11:1 "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

Friend To Friend
Billy Graham once said, "Most of us do not understand nuclear fission, but we accept it.  I don't understand television, but I accept it. I don't understand radio, but every week my voice goes out around the world, and I accept it.  Why is it so easy to accept all these man-made miracles and so difficult to accept the miracles of the Bible?" 

Faith is a personal issue and often demands that we give up what we can see for what we cannot see, but just because we can't see it, doesn't mean it isn't there.  Let me share some ways to weaken your doubts and strengthen your faith:


Read the bible consistently.
Romans 10:17 Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.   


You may have heard the familiar Old Chinese saying, "There is a good dog and a bad dog fighting within each of us. The one that is going to win is the one we feed the most". The same is true when it comes to faith and doubt.  We weaken our doubt by strengthening our faith in God.  The Word of God feeds the new nature God gives us when we surrender our life to Him.  As that new nature grows stronger, the old sinful nature becomes weaker and as that old nature becomes weaker, faith in God grows.  A steady diet of the Word produces strong faith.  Read the bible each day.  Memorize a verse of scripture each week.


Turn to God constantly.
Mark 9:14-29 tells of the man who brings his demon-possessed son to Jesus Christ and pleads, "If you can do anything, take pit on us and help us".  Jesus responds, "If I can!  All things are possible to him who believes".  The dad exclaimed, "Lord, I believe.  Help my unbelief!" 
Sounds just like us!  We believe but we also doubt.  In those moments, we must be honest enough to cry out to God!  Jesus didn't punish this man for his doubt.  He healed his son.  God always responds to honesty!
Focus on God continually.
Psalm 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
We focus on the mountain while crying out to God for help, wondering if He really will do anything.   We need to remember what God promises and does not promise.  God does not promise to remove the mountain or that we will even understand the mountain.  However, God does promise to help us climb the mountain and He does promise to climb it with us.  We must make the continual choice to fix our gaze on God and our glance on the circumstances.  When doubt comes, refuse it.
Seek out faith-builders persistently.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 And one standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer; three is even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
We need to look for people who will encourage us to be faithful instead of constantly looking for ways to undermine our faith.  Did you hear about the farmer that had a brilliant dog?  He also had a neighbor that was negative - no matter what.  If it was raining, the farmer would say to his neighbor, "Boy, look at it rain. God's washing everything clean." The neighbor said, "Yeah, but if this rain keeps up, it's going to flood." Then the sun would come out and the neighbor would say, "If it keeps that up, it's going to burn the crops." The farmer thought, "What am I going to do with this guy?" He made a plan!  The farmer trained his dog to walk on water. He didn't tell his neighbor - just took him duck hunting. Boom! Boom! They got two ducks. The farmer said to his dog, "Go get 'em." The dog sprinted across the water, picked up the ducks and hopped back in the boat, nothing wet, just his paws. With a confident smile, the farmer asked his doubting neighbor, "What do you think of that?" The neighbor quickly replied, "He can't swim, can he?"  Do you know people like the neighbor?  Run from the doubters in your life.  We struggle enough with doubt on our own and should not compound it by investing time in doubters and cynics.  Look for people who walk in faith, who believe God and study His Word.  They will encourage and build your faith while weakening your doubts. 
Women have so much in common.  We have the same problems, the same fears and the same doubts.  Don't let fear and doubt wreak havoc in your heart and mind.  Stay in God's Word.  Don't be afraid or ashamed to cry out to Him when you are afraid.  Keep your eyes on Him and look for other women who do the same.  Will you join me in a new commitment to becoming a woman of faith?  Remember, when doubt knocks on the door, just send faith to answer it - and you will find no one there!

Let's Pray

Father God, I want to become a woman of faith, but I am so weak.  I constantly battle fear and my faith seems so small.  Please give me a new thirst for Your Word.  I choose to focus on You, Father, instead of focusing on my circumstances.  Help me to find faith and to be a faith-builder each day.  I now turn to You, Lord. 

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Make a list of your top five fears.
Choose one verse from today's devotion for each fear. 
When that fear comes, cry out to God and pray that verse of Scripture aloud. 
Memorize Proverbs 3:5-6 and record it in your journal. 
Share your decision to be a woman of faith with other women who have the same desire. 

More From The Girlfriends 

What a journey we are on - a journey to the heart of God!  Let's make that journey together, friend.  We are here to encourage you and to help strengthen your faith.  We are your sisters, your girlfriends in God and we would love to hear from you.

Need help?  Check out Mary's E-Bible Study, Getting a Grip on Fear. 

Join other women across the world in Mary's Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. It's Never Too Late to be Great is the current series and is based on the fascinating lives of Samson and Delilah.  Do you think you have made too many mistakes and had too many failures in your life for God to love, forgive and work through you?  No matter where you have been or where you are now - it is not too late! Don't miss this study! When you enroll, you also have access to all of the 2010 studies we have done so far. Check it out!

Going through a tough time?  Get Mary's new DVD, Strength for the Storm and find new hope that will strengthen you for the hard times you are facing.

Need a friend?  Connect with Mary on Face book or through email.  She loves hearing what God is doing in your life!

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


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

[Judy Harder]

July 12, 2010 

The Stone Unthrown 

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her," (John 8:7 NIV).

Friend To Friend
"What are we going to do with this Jesus," the chief priest asked the group.  "He is going about healing people left and right.  Everywhere I go the buzz is about Jesus.  It's Jesus this, and Jesus that.  And the crowds are calling him the Messiah!  Everyone knows that the Messiah will not come from Galilee.  If we don't get rid of him, we are going to have an insurrection on our hands."

"And ever since the buzz about him multiplying a few loaves and fish to feed over 5,000 people has circulated, his followers have multiplied as well.  He must be stopped."       

"I have an idea," Lucius responded with a gleam in his eye.  "I happen to know a certain married man who is sleeping with his mistress at this very moment.  I happened to see him slink into her house last night."

And as the hard-hearted Pharisees gathered round, a spiteful plan to trick Jesus began to unfold.

The sun was just peeking through the securely locked shutters of Morah's bedroom window.  The predawn stillness was broken only by the songs of early rising birds floating on the breeze.  Morah was a tangle of sheets, arms and legs as the man she loved lay sleeping beside her.

"Oh, Zachariah," she whispered as her fingertips brushed a stray lock of hair from his closed eyes.  "If only you weren't married.  I know this is wrong, but I love you so.  And I have to believe you when you say you love me as well.  We are risking our very lives with these frequent trysts."

Morah's musings were suddenly interrupted by a banging on the door.

"Open up!" the gruff voice demanded.

"Who is there?" Morah cried as she scrambled to find her robe.

"Open up or we'll break the door down."

"What's all the commotion," Zachariah mumbled as he groggily sat up in bed.  "What's going on?"

Before Morah could even think to answer, the angry mob of religious men broke through the simple lock and into the lovers' hideaway.

"What is the meaning of this," Zachariah barked.  "What do you think you are doing?"

"What do you think you are doing, my friend?" the Pharisee countered.  "That is the real question here."

"Morah, daughter of Omar, you are under arrest for adultery under the Law of Moses!" the moral police spat.  "Get dressed and come with me."

The Pharisee tossed Morah her night robe, but failed to turn his head as she slipped her trembling frame from the cover of the sheets and into the thin cloak.  He grabbed her by the arm and began dragging her to the door.

"Where are you taking me?" she cried. 

"You'll find out soon enough," the Pharisee growled.

"What about Zachariah?" the youngest man of the group inquired.

"Just leave him," the Pharisee replied.  "We don't need him."

"Why don't you go back to your wife where you belong," the Pharisee called over his shoulder as the group left the room.  And with that, the conspiring mob continued their trek to the temple with the half-clad trembling woman in tow.  Two men flanked the weeping woman on either side, dragging her through the early morning hustle and bustle of the city.  The bait was hooked, and now it was time to reel in the catch.

Like mice following the Pied Piper, a curious stream of townsfolk joined the parade.  Jesus was already teaching in the courtyard with a group gathered at his feet.  As always, Jesus' message and miracles drew large crowds.  A distant rumble interrupted his gentle teaching as the angry mob and curious crowd approached.  They marched right into the inner circle of the classroom and thrust the woman at the Master's feet.

Morah's unbound hair fell around her bare shoulders and fluttered in the early morning breeze.  Her shame-filled eyes stayed riveted on the earthen floor, refusing to meet Jesus' gaze. Then one of the men pulled her to her feet and displayed her for all to see.

"Teacher," the pious Pharisee began, "this woman was caught in the act of adultery.  The Law of Moses commands us to stone such a woman.  Now what do you say?"

She didn't need to look at the man before her.  She recognized his voice.  It was Jesus.

Jesus didn't look at the woman's half-clad body as the others openly gawked.  He looked into her soul.

Morah lifted her eyes and looked into the face of love.  What do I detect in his gaze? she thought to herself.  It wasn't contempt, disgust, or condemnation, but rather compassion, concern, and pure, unadulterated love.  Somehow she knew that this was the look she had been searching for her entire life.

As Morah listened to the Pharisee's question, she understood Jesus' dilemma.  If he set her free, the Pharisees would accuse him of ignoring the Law of Moses and deem him a heretic.  If he sentenced her to death by stoning, then his teachings of grace and forgiveness would be negated. 

The religious leaders already held the stones in their clenched fists, anticipating his reply.  Their hearts were as hard as the rocks they held in their hands, but rather than give a quick answer, Jesus moved his gaze from the trembling woman and stooped to the ground.  With his finger, the very hand of God-made-man, he began writing in the dirt.  A frigid chill swept through the Pharisees pious robes.  Suddenly they felt the rawness of naked exposure as Jesus' eyes looked up at each of them and without a word, uncloaked their sinful thoughts and desires.  With one look from Jesus, they stood soul bare and more exposed than the half-dressed woman before them.

Everyone held their breath.  The silence was deafening.  The tension was palpable.  Finally, Jesus rose and delivered the verdict.

"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."

Then Jesus squatted once again and continued to write.

One-by-one the Pharisees unclenched their fists, dropped the stones, and filtered through the crowd.  The older men who had accumulated a longer list of sins turned to leave first, with the younger ones not far behind.

The remaining crowd listened closely as the drama continued to unfold.  After the last of the Pharisees cleared the scene, Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are your accusers?  Has no one condemned you?"

"No one, sir," she replied.

"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared.  "Go now and leave your life of sin."

The woman turned to leave - but not before picking up a discarded stone to take with her.

"To remember," she whispered.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, this story of Your great mercy and grace takes my breath away.  Just to think that the only person qualified to throw the stone was the very One who set her free.  Help me to always remember that You have forgiven me of my sins.  Help me to drop the stones I so quickly pick up to cast at others and extend to them the same grace You have extended to me.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
I hope your heart was stirred with the re-telling of this amazing story.  We don't know the woman's name.  I have simply called her Morah so we can paint a picture of a real woman with a real problem in our minds.  Now let me ask a few questions...

When is the last time you held a rock of condemnation in your hand?  Not a real rock, but a judgmental attitude?

When is the last time you acted like the Pharisees who were so quick to condemn?

Who do you want to be like, Jesus who showed grace and forgiveness, or the Pharisees who wanted to give her what she deserved?

Let's chat.  How does this story impact your life?  In other words...what difference does it make?

More From The Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's new book, What God Really Thinks about Women: Finding Your Significance through the Women Jesus Encountered.  We tend to read the gospels with our twenty-first century eyes.  But when we understand how oppressive the culture Jesus stepped into was against women, we begin to understand just how radical Jesus' ministry, messages, and miracles were at setting women free. He risked His reputation to save theirs...and yours.  To order this life-changing book with a special gift with purchase until July 17th, visit www.sharonjaynes.com. You'll fall in love with Jesus all over again.

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]

July 14, 2010 

Then Neither do I Condemn You 

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared.  "Go now and leave you life of sin" (John 8:11 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Remember the story of the woman caught in adultery recorded in John 8:1-11?  If you aren't familiar with it, stop right now and read it for yourself.   The Pharisees had brought this half-dressed woman to Jesus right in the middle of his teaching and tried to snare him in a trap. Should she be stoned or set free?

As this woman listened to the Pharisee's question Jesus, she understood his dilemma.  If he set her free, the Pharisees would accuse him of ignoring the Law of Moses and deem him a heretic.  If he sentenced her to death by stoning, then his teachings of grace and forgiveness would be negated. 

The religious leaders already held the stones in their clenched fists, anticipating his reply.  Their hearts were as hard as the rocks they held in their hands.  But rather than give a quick answer, Jesus moved his gaze from the trembling woman and stooped to the ground.  With his finger, the very hand of God-made-man, he began writing in the dirt.  A frigid chill swept through the Pharisees pious robes.  Suddenly they felt the rawness of naked exposure as Jesus' eyes looked up at each of them and without a word, uncloaked their sinful thoughts and desires.  With one look from Jesus, they stood soul bare and more exposed than the half-clad woman before them.

Everyone held their breath. The silence was deafening.  The tension was palpable.  Finally, Jesus rose and delivered the verdict.

"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."

Then Jesus squatted once again and continued to write.

One-by-one the Pharisees unclenched their fists, dropped the stones, and filtered through the crowd.  The older men who had accumulated a longer list of sins turned to leave first, with the younger ones not far behind.

After the last of the Pharisees cleared the scene, Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are your accusers?  Has no one condemned you?"

"No one, sir," she replied.

"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared.  "Go now and leave your life of sin."

Now, let's bring this story home.  Imagine yourself standing before God on your day of judgment.  You know all that you have done.  Satan is pacing back and forth reading your long list of sins.  But then Jesus steps forward and takes the list from the accuser.  Looking over the accusations he begins: "I paid for this one, and this one, and this one, and this one...."

Finally, reaching the end of Satan's meticulously penned and amazingly accurate enumeration of all your shortcomings, Jesus begins to tear the paper into shreds.  He cups the pieces of the destroyed list of failures in his nail-scarred hands and then, with the breath of grace, blows them as far as the east is from the west.  Wiping his hands together as if completing a work, he glances back over to the Judge, "All gone," he says with a smile.

Satan grumbles under his sulfurous breath, and slinks back to his darkened cave - foiled again.

God looks up and asks you, "Has no one condemned you?"

"No one, sir," you reply.

"Then enter my eternal kingdom and find rest."

Friend, if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and if you are still feeling condemned, know that condemnation is not coming from God.  Our enemy, the devil or Satan, is called the "accuser of the brothers," and he is the accuser of the sisters as well.  The Bible tells us that he marches before God accusing believers night and day. (Revelation 12:11).  "She did this and that and that and this and that," he hisses.

And God' replies "Really?  I don't remember?  There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Then He looks at you with a welcoming smile.

Let's Pray
Dear God, Thank You for forgiving me of my sins. Thank You for washing me clean.  Thank You that when the enemy accuses me before You, Jesus steps forward to announce He's paid my debt and set me free.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Do you truly believe that God has forgiven you of your sins?  If you're not sure, read 1 John 1:9.

Notice the last thing Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery.  What was it?

Jesus wasn't saying that what she did was OK.  He called sin a sin.  Could it be that He is saying the same to you in a particular area of your life today? (Sorry.  I just had to go and make it personal, didn't I?  But that's what girlfriends are for!)

Did God speak to you in today's devotion?  If so, I'd love to hear it!  Share your comments with other GiGs at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes.

More From The Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's new book, What God Really Thinks about Women: Finding Your Significance through the Women Jesus Encountered.  We tend to read the gospels with our twenty-first century eyes.  But when we understand how oppressive the culture Jesus stepped into was against women, we begin to understand just how radical Jesus' ministry, messages, and miracles were at setting women free.  He risked His reputation to save theirs...and yours.  To order this life-changing book with a special gift with purchase until July 17th, visit www.sharonjaynes.com.  You'll fall in love with Jesus all over again.

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]

July 15, 2010 

I Want Her Gift! 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
1 Corinthians 12:4 "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit."

Friend To Friend
We get into trouble when we try to serve God with the gifts we want instead of the gifts we actually have.  By the time I was in high school, I just knew I was going to marry a minister.  I had to get ready if I was going to be a pastor's wife because it is a widely known fact that the wife of a pastor has to be able to do certain things - one of which is sewing.

As a high school junior, I decided it was time to take Homemaking 101.  I can still see Mrs. Johnson's face as she naively gazed at her new students.  Bless her unsuspecting heart!  She had no idea the challenge I brought to that class and to her career as a teacher.  For weeks, I muddled through each lesson with a respectable but less than stellar performance, until we hit the section on sewing.  It would prove to be her undoing where I was concerned. 

Being the veteran teacher that she was, Mrs. Johnson took a deep breath and doggedly plunged ahead in determination, vowing she could teach anyone to sew - even me.  I decided to make a blouse and chose what I thought was a simple and easy McCall's pattern.  Mrs. Johnson was thrilled with my selection, competent that even I could make a blouse requiring approximately seven straight seams.  The pattern looked so simple and even pretty in the package.  Then I opened it, gingerly unfolding and carefully arranging each delicate pattern piece, staring at the foreign documents before me.  They were simply beyond human comprehension.   I concluded that the pattern was actually a sinister trap of some accomplished but sadistic seamstress and quickly stuffed the flimsy entrapments back into their package.  After all, I was creative!  I didn't need a pattern!  I knew exactly what I wanted to make.  How hard could it possibly be?  Ignorance really can be bliss.

When I presented the completed blouse to Mrs. Johnson for a grade, her eyes widened as she silently stared at my first and last attempt at sewing.  "Interesting," she muttered, obviously in shock.  I made a "C" in her class, a sympathy grade if there ever was one.  And the blouse?  I buried it in my back yard - literally.  Since that day, I always make sure I have at least one friend who can sew and the name of two seamstresses on hand at all times.  However, in all my years as Dan's wife, I can truthfully say that my inability to sew has never hindered God's work in my life or my calling as the wife of a pastor.   

Another line of thinking proposes that because I am a pastor's wife, I should drag out my silver (if I had any) and host dinners and teas for the women of the church.  (Please know that those of you who actually enjoy these tortuous events have my undying admiration and respect.)  In our first full-time church, I actually gave it a shot by inviting the entire church to our home for a Christmas open house.  Since there were several hundred church members at the time, I concluded it would take three nights to accommodate them all.  Looking back, my only defense is a complete loss of sanity. 

My family hated the month before the first open house.  They had good reason.  I put them all to work, cleaning and scrubbing every square inch of the house.  I bought and hoarded food, threatening anyone who even thought about infiltrating my "stash."  I even managed to destroy Thanksgiving week-end by insisting that we decorate, inside and out, for Christmas, not in anticipation of celebrating Christ's birth, but in preparation for the "open houses" to be held the following weekend. 

For three years, I tried to be the "hostess with the most-ess" until my husband put a stop to the madness by asking one simple question, "Honey, why are you doing these open houses?  You obviously don't enjoy them very much."  The answer that popped into my mind and out of my mouth was absurd.  "Because that's what pastor's wives do!" I feebly responded. "Where does it say that, honey?" he asked.  I had no answer to that question.   

Dan went on to set me free.  "We have done our last open house.  Please don't ever do anything else because you think it fits the man-made profile of a pastor's wife.  Do what God has gifted and called you to do - period - and never apologize to anyone for doing so."  I do not have the gift of hospitality, but in every church we have ever served, there have been amazing women who do and delight in using that gift for Him. 

What about you?  Are you embracing the "you" God intended you to be or are you trying to be the woman you and others think you should be?  Friend, you are uniquely gifted by God to serve God.  Celebrate His perfect plan for your life!

Let's Pray
Father, I am so tired of trying to please others.  I want to please You.  Today, I ask You to help me discover the gifts You have given me and then show me how to use them to serve You and minister to others. 

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
I encourage you to set aside time this week to pray and seek God's plan for your life.  Read and claim Jeremiah 29:11.

Ask family and friends to identify the abilities and talents they see in you.  Are you serving God through those strengths?  If not, how and where can you begin to do so?

Identify your weaknesses.  Read 2 Corinthians 12:9.  What part do your weaknesses play in God's plan for your life?

More From The Girlfriends
Don't waste another minute of your life wanting the gifts you think you should have.  Lay every plan at Gods' feet and ask Him to pick up and empower what is of Him, and let fall away what is not in His plan for you.  Celebrate who you are in Christ!

Free MP3!  Visit Mary's website to download her free MP3, I Love a Good Plan!

Need help?  Join other women across the world in Mary's Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. It's Never Too Late to be Great is the current series and is based on the fascinating lives of Samson and Delilah.  Do you think you have made too many mistakes and had too many failures in your life for God to love, forgive and work through you?  No matter where you have been or where you are now - it is not too late!  Don't miss this study!  When you enroll, you also have access to all of the 2010 studies we have done so far. Check it out!

Going through a tough time?  Get Mary's new DVD, Strength for the Storm and find new hope that will strengthen you for the hard times you are facing.

Need a friend?  Connect with Mary on Face book or through email.  She loves hearing what God is doing in your life!

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

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

[Judy Harder]

July 16, 2010 

I Surrender! 

Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, here's what you d say nothing evil or hurtful; snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you're worth" (1 Peter 3:10-11, MSG).

Friend To Friend
"I'm done with it!  This battle just isn't worth fighting!  I'm tired.  It's hopeless."  As I listened to my girlfriend verbally bleed from her wounded heart, I silently lifted up a prayer and asked God for wisdom.  Her pain was real.  Her troubles were not imaginary.  She was desperate.  She wanted a way out of the maze of disappointment and betrayal she had gotten lost in.  Out of the strong undertow of angst that had swept away her hope.  Out of the darkness that had covered her life and taken her captive. 

No easy answers flooded my mind.  I had no slick, three-point "sermonette" to offer her. I'm not a therapist.  I don't even play one on TV.  I'm just a Christian girl who tries to be there for her friends.  So, I didn't feel wise or brilliant that day as I gently, but confidently said: "I think the only way to win this battle is to surrender." 

Not to the problem, but to the solution.  Not to the conflict, but to the resolution.  Both the solution and the resolution are found in the same nail scarred hands.  In order to win in any earthly struggle or relationship battle, we must put away the weapons of our wounding words, and set aside the arsenal of our angry actions.  Then with knees to the earth, we must raise a white flag in surrender ... to the King.

What do we need to surrender?  Our pride and expectations ... our gripes and lamentations ... our calculated manipulations ... our righteous indignation ... everything.

In order to live victoriously and win the battles we face in life, we've just got to surrender our flesh to the Spirit. 

"Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, and be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing"

(1 Peter 3: 8-9) MSG.

On the battlefield of war, when we raise the white flag of surrender, we lose.  But on the battlefield of life, when we surrender, we win - if, and only if we surrender to God and not to our circumstances.  We cannot control the variables beyond our own responses, but God will surely bless the woman that walks in obedience to Him.

The text in 1 Peter goes on to say: "Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, here's what you d say nothing evil or hurtful; snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you're worth" (1 Peter 3:10-11, MSG).

We are able to run after peace and experience blessings of God in our day when we go before Him with a yielded heart.  In a public address titled "Absolute Surrender," Andrew Murray said: "God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him. The condition for obtaining God's full blessing is absolute surrender to Him."

What will that look like for you today?  Are you ready to wave that white flag?  Imagine what God will do in and through you as you daily choose to align your heart to His!  Go there now.  Be with the Strength-giver.  Yield to the will of Him who loves you most. Blessings await you, friend.

Let's Pray
Lord, This is such a tough one!  My life is complicated.  It is very hard for me to relinquish control, yet I know that You are calling me to do just that.  Help me to surrender my life into Your hands.  Please dissolve my resentment, anger, fears and frustrations.  Help me to choose Your ways, so that I can obtain the full blessings of absolute surrender. 

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Take a moment to thoughtfully consider what barriers exist in your heart that keep you from being willing to surrender.

Pray that God would crush those barriers for His purposes.

Lift your heart in surrendered worship as you sing the hymn "I Surrender All."

I SURRENDER ALL

Words by: J.W. Van Deventer and Music by: W.S. Weeden

All to Jesus, I surrender
All to Him I freely give
I will ever love and trust Him
In His presence daily live

I surrender all
I surrender all
All to Thee, my blessed Savior
I surrender all

All to Jesus I surrender
Humbly at His feet I bow
Worldly pleasures all forsaken
Take me, Jesus, take me now

All to Jesus, I surrender
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine
Let me feel the Holy Spirit
Truly know that Thou art mine

All to Jesus, I surrender
Lord, I give myself to Thee
Fill me with Thy love and power
Let Thy blessing fall on me

All to Jesus I surrender 
Now I feel the sacred flame
O the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!

More From The Girlfriends
Friend, God can work miracles in any and every situation!  No matter what you face, you can choose how you respond to your circumstances.  When I dive into His Word, God reminds me, time and time again, that HIS power is made strong through my weakness.  Surrender your weakness to Him today and find God's strength.

HELP GWEN SELECT HER NEXT CD COVER!! J Gwen's next CD, Uncluttered, will be released late this fall.  She and her record label, Great Worship Songs, need your opinion on the front cover!  Please click over to Gwen's Facebook page at: www.Facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic and VOTE on which cover you like best!

Every step of transformation begins with your surrender to the heart of God.  If you would like to learn more about how your brokenness can be reworked into a picture of God's beauty, order Gwen's book Broken Into Beautiful.  This resource will help you experience the power of hope, healing and restoration!

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]

July 19, 2010 

It was a Dark and Stormy Night
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Up at 4:30 AM, I was preparing to speak at a Good Friday prayer breakfast in Oil City, PA.  At the event, the Holy Spirit showed up, God moved, and we had a great beginning to a wonderful weekend celebrating Christ's resurrection.

After the event, it was off to the Philadelphia airport for a quick 1 ½ hour flight home.  Easter weekend had the airport teeming with travelers.  As we waited, clouds began to roll in and planes failed to roll out.  Unfortunately, overbooked airplanes and stormy weather do not a good combination make.  Delays and cancelations lit up the departure board.

I was scheduled to arrive in Charlotte, NC at 7:00 PM.  But then my arrival time was pushed back to 7:40, then to 8:40, then to 9:30.  This was turning out to be not such a "good Friday" after all.  The travelers were getting angry, the ticketing agents were getting agitated, and kids were getting antsy.  I just wanted to go home.

Finally, after many gate changes and time delays, we boarded the plane headed for Charlotte. As we neared North Carolina, the pilot made an announcement.

"Hello, this is Captain Bernard.  Unfortunately, the storm is passing through Charlotte, NC at this time and we will not be able to land.  We are going to land in Greensboro, NC, 90 miles away, and wait it out.  Feel free to disembark the airplane, but do not leave the boarding area.  We will make an announcement when it is time to re-board.  Don't worry.  We'll get you to Charlotte just as quickly as possible.  Sorry for the inconvenience. "

Arg!  We landed in Greensboro and waited ... and waited ... and waited.  About 10:30, there was another announcement. "May I have your attention please?  For those travelling on flight 389 to Charlotte, unfortunately, the flight crew has logged in too many hours and they will not be able to continue the flight to Charlotte.  We have secured vans to drive you the rest of the way.  Sorry for the inconvenience."

A collective moan rose from the motley bunch.  We trudged down to baggage claim, retrieved our bags, and separated into groups of nine. 

"What do you do?" a man in a business suit asked, trying to pass the time.

"I'd rather not say," I answered.  Thinking he might get the wrong idea, I smiled and said, "Just kidding.  I'm an author."

"What do you write?"

I was hoping he wouldn't ask me that question.  I was not being a very good advertisement.   "I write Christian oriented books for women," I answered.  "You know - the kind that tells women how to handle difficulties in life."  We all started laughing.

We piled into the van: eight traveling to visit family, one going home.  The air conditioner was broken, and heat blew out of the vents in every direction.  No one could figure out how to shut it down.  Temperatures rose, sweat poured, layers came off, the widows fogged up.  It was miserable.

After about an hour and a-half, I started to relax, thinking we would be in Charlotte at any minute.  In the seat in front of me, a twenty-something woman and her mother chatted happily.  They were on their way to spend the weekend with daughter number two.  Daughter number one, who was apparently tracking our progress on her I-phone, turned around in her seat to face me. 

"We're passing Statesville," she said. "How much further do we have?"

"Statesville!" I cried.  "We're not supposed to be passing Statesville!  He's going the wrong way!"

Our one and a-half hour van ride turned into a three hour van ride.  This was just the icing on a very bad cake.  I had way too much material for a new book on suffering and was ready for this not-so-good Friday to be over.  Just as I was having a not-so-nice, one-way conversation with God, the mother in front of me drew a smiley face on the window.  A smiley face!

What in the world does she have to be happy about! I mused.  I don't see anything "smiley" about this entire situation!

We finally arrived in Charlotte sometime after midnight.  The 1 ½ hour trip had turned into an    eight-hour nightmare.  Nine dripping wet, exhausted passengers climbed out of the van and breathed in the fresh night air. 

"Bye, Beth," I said to the young I-pod toting girl.  "You have fun with you sister and mom this weekend."

"Oh, we will," she replied.  "My mom just found out that she has cancer for the second time.  It doesn't look too good.  We're going to spend a weekend together, just the three of us, simply enjoying each other."

She turned to walk away ... never seeing the tears that filled my eyes.

I looked back at the van's window which still held the picture of a smiley face drawn by a dying woman's hand.  Suddenly, my night of little inconveniences seemed rather petty.  It was a Good Friday after all.  God had reminded me of all I had to be thankful for.  Storms will come in this life.  It is our perspective in the storm that will determine whether we will grumble and complain, or draw a smiley face and thank God for each and every breath we have.

I slipped into the car with my precious, patient husband, gave him a quick kiss, and drew a smiley face on the window.

Let's Pray
Dear LORD, forgive me when I whine over life's inconveniences.  In the storms of life, help me see Your blessings in the raindrops, Your power in the lightening, and Your voice in the rolling thunder.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen. :-)

Now It's Your Turn
I have two passages I want you to read today.  The first is 2 Corinthians 4:17-18.  What do you think Paul meant by his light and momentary afflictions?

Now read 2 Corinthians 11:23-28.  Now, what do you think Paul meant by light and momentary afflictions?  This is not what I'd call light affliction, but in view of the glory that we will experience in heaven, Paul thought the struggles of this world were well worth it.

In light of what you are going through today, I'd love to hear if this devotion stirred your heart to think differently.  Let's chat.  Visit www.sharonjaynes.com/blog or www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes.

More From The Girlfriends
God often speaks to us through our difficulties.  If you would like to learn more about how to hear God's still small voice in your heart, then you'll want to read Sharon's book, Becoming a Woman who Listens to God.  Learn how to listen to the One who longs to speak to 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]

July 20, 2010 

The Perfect Plan 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Psalm 139:14-16 (NCV) "I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way.  What you have done is wonderful.  I know this very well.  You saw my bones being formed as I took shape in my mother's body.  When I was put together there, you saw my body as it was formed.  All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old."

Friend To Friend
Situational ethics is now being taught in many of our public schools.  One teacher, wanting to illustrate that human reasoning is many times wrong, gave the following situation to a class of high school students:  "How would you advise a mother who was pregnant with her fifth child based on the following facts.  Her husband had syphilis and she had tuberculosis.  Their first child was born blind, the second child died.   A third child was born deaf while their fourth child had tuberculosis.  The mother is considering an abortion.  Would you advise her to have one?"  In view of these facts, most of the students agreed that the mother should have an abortion.  The teacher then announced, "If you said 'yes', you would have just killed the great composer, Ludwig von Beethoven." 

You and I were created as a living, fleshed out depiction of God's love.  We can celebrate the precious truth of Psalm 139:14-16 (NCV), "I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way.  What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well.  You saw my bones being formed as I took shape in my mother's body.  When I was put together there, you saw my body as it was formed.  All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old."

Just think of it!  God Himself supervised our formation.  We were created in love - for love - with a specific and holy purpose in mind.  We can rejoice with the Psalmist who wrote, "Know that the Lord is God.  He made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep he tends" (Psalm 100:3 NCV).

Many women buy into the lie that we are little more than puppets in the hands of God; that He created us as tools for His personal use or slaves to do His bidding and carry out His plan.  In this verse, "Lord" literally means "Father" or "dearest Daddy" indicating an intimate relationship between a loving Father and His child.  God undoubtedly has plans for us, but we misunderstand the character and heart of God when we assume those plans serve as a punishment or penalty for not being good enough.  Jeremiah certainly understood the heart of God toward His children when he wrote, "I know what I am planning for you," says the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future" (Jeremiah 29:11 NCV).  The best plan, the highest plan for our lives rests in the hands of the One who created us. 

In the early days of the automobile, a man's Model - T Ford stalled in the middle of the road.  No matter what he tried, he couldn't get it started.  A chauffeured limousine pulled up behind the stalled car and a wiry, energetic man stepped from the back seat to offer his assistance.  After tinkering with the engine for a few moments, the stranger said, "Now try it!"  Immediately, the engine leaped to life.  The well-dressed man then identified himself as Henry Ford.  "I designed and built these cars," he said, "So I know what to do when something goes wrong."  When our lives are broken, when the plan falls apart and everything seems to go wrong, we need to wait on God, knowing He created us, knows us best and loves us most. 

Let's Pray
Lord, I have to admit that I sometimes doubt Your plan when it comes to my life.  Forgive me when I question You, Father.  Help my unbelief!  Teach me Your ways and empower me to walk in them.

In Jesus' name,
Amen. 

Now It's Your Turn
We all want to experience greatness and live a life driven by God's purpose and plan. The great news is that God wants the same thing!  Spiritual greatness begins in a personal relationship with God that is lived out in service to God.  What we are is God's gift to us, but how we serve God is our gift to Him. 


·         Revisit the time when you first realized God's plan for your life.  What was your initial reaction and response?   


·         If you could choose one word to describe your journey - so far - what would it be?  Explain. 


·         Explain the statement that "God is your source."  What does that really mean in your life?  What other "sources" have you counted on?  Did they lead to success or failure? 


·         What "wants" have been a hindrance in your life?  What steps of obedience have you taken to control those "wants?"   


·         How would you evaluate the impact of your life on those around you? 

More From The Girlfriends
God loves you ... and everybody else has a plan for your life.  Right?  The only plan that matters is God's plan.  God loves a seeking heart and wants you to know His plan.  Get in the Word.  Pray.  Have a "yes" in your heart.  The right plan will unfold before you.

Need help?  Join other women across the world in Mary's Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey.  When you enroll, you also have access to all of the 2010 studies we have done so far.  Check it out!

Need hope?  Get Mary's book, Hope in the Midst of Depression for ways to climb out of that pit you are in and learn how you can help someone you love who is dealing with the darkness.     

Need a friend?  Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.  She loves hearing what God is doing in your life!

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


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

[Judy Harder]

July 21, 2010 

Just What You've Always Wanted 

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
Jesus said: "I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of," (John 10:10b The Message).

Friend To Friend
Yard sales.  I've never really liked them.  But when we were preparing to move from our home of twenty years, we decided it was a must.  It was a way to clean out the clutter, make a little money, and not haul out yesterday's treasures to today's trash.

We displayed our lovely attic décor on makeshift plywood tables and waited for the bargain babes to descend.  We were not disappointed.  Two hours before the advertised opening time, treasure hunters began congregating outside the closed garage doors.  Then, upon the unveiling, the swarm attacked.

Among the valuables from my past sat an electric, ceramic 12" Christmas tree with various colored lights ... no doubt a gift from the eighties. One particular woman perused the lovely display and came upon this "magnificent work of art."

"I've always wanted one of these!" she declared with excitement in her voice.  "How much is it?"

"Three dollars," my husband, Steve, answered.

"Humph," she grunted and walked on.

Steve and I just looked at each other and stifled our laughter. 

Let's rewind the scene for a moment.  This woman said she had always wanted a ceramic Christmas tree just like that one. (I'm not here to judge another person's dreams.  That's just what she said.)  Always.  Her whole life.  And here it was!  For a mere $3, her dream could have come true!  The search over!  Most likely we would have sacrificed this masterpiece for $2, but she didn't even ask.  She just shrugged and walked away.

Then my mind began to wander through a rummage sale of its own.  As I watched the woman walk away, I thought about the Pharisees in the Bible.  For years they waited for the coming of the promised Messiah.  Prayed about it.  Preached about it.  Prepared for it.  Then when Jesus showed up, they turned their backs and walked away.  "Humph," they said with a shrug.  "No thanks."

How many times do we long for a particular dream to come true in our lives?  Long for it.  Search for it.  Obsess over it.  A husband.  A child.  A job.  A home.  Then one day, there it is!  It can be ours!  The search is over.  We say our "I do's," bring home the bundle of joy, log in our first eight hours, hang the last curtain.  But then, a little time passes.  The husband is not as romantic as we had hoped, the kids are not as obedient and loving as we had imagined, the job isn't as rewarding as we had envisioned, and the house is a never ending maze of maintenance. "Humph," we grumble.  We think we want something, and then when we get it, we decide we really don't want it after all.

Let me take it one step further.  How many times do we long for love, joy, and peace in our lives?  We search for it, long for it, and pray about it.  Then someone points us to the cross and says, "There is it.  It can be yours for the asking.  It's not even $3, $2 or $1.  It's free!" 

"Humph," we shrug.  "No thanks."  And we walk away to rummage through the yard sales of life looking for treasure among other people's clutter.

Dear friend, God is holding out His Holy hand with the most magnificent Gift of all time.  Love, joy, and peace personified in His Son, Jesus Christ.  He is what you have always been longing for, searching for, watching for.  Jesus said, "I have come that they might have life and have it to the full" (NIV).  Will we take him up on the offer, or say, "Humph, no thanks," and walk away?

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for making all of my dreams come true.  You have given me everything I have ever longed for in the person of Jesus Christ.  Please forgive me for turning my back on Your amazing Gift and trying to fill my longings with people and possessions.  I know that nothing will ever satisfy my desire for peace, love, and joy except Jesus.  And Lord, I also know that when I am filled with the peace, love, and joy of Jesus, I will spill that love onto those around me.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Have you ever searched and searched for something in particular, and then when you found it, you realized it wasn't so great after all?  Make a list.  If you're like me, it is probably long ... if you're honest.

Now let's look inward.  Are there longings in your life that you are expecting other people to fill, but in reality, you know in your "knower" that only Jesus can really fill?

If so, what do you need to do about it?

Let's chat.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's devotion.  Please visit www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes or www.sharonjaynes.com/blog and share with your Girlfriends in God.

More From The Girlfriends
One thing all women want to be is beautiful.  If you would like to learn about how to become spiritually beautiful - a beauty that radiates from the inside out, see Sharon's book, Becoming Spiritually Beautiful.  You'll begin to see yourself as God sees you and discover the beauty of you God has planned all along!

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]

July 22, 2010

I Don't Feel Like It! 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Proverbs 25:28 (NIV) "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control."

Friend To Friend
You have probably discovered that you simply cannot trust your emotions because they are unreliable, misleading and will constantly betray you.  A family member verbally blasts you and rage consumes your spirit.  Your career is in decline and depression slithers into your heart.  Caught in the comparison trap, you find yourself avoiding those who have bigger, more influential jobs.  Anger is a constant companion, finances are tight and rest is a distant memory.  A sense of bone-deep weariness saturates your soul as your own heart ridicules the sincerity with which you serve.  "You might as well give up.  It's no use.  Just quit!" the enemy taunts. 

Negative emotions can take hold of and destroy a life void of emotional control.  Control puts emotions in their God-shaped place, discarding negative emotions as the spiritual leeches they are while safeguarding and reinforcing positive emotions.  I am amazed at the number of women who base eternal decisions on feelings while seeking confirmation and even direction from emotional responses.  I almost missed one of the highest plans for my life because it didn't feel right.

My husband, Dan, was Youth Pastor at Sheridan Hills Baptist, a dynamic church in Hollywood, Florida where Bill Billingsley, one of the greatest men I have ever known, was senior pastor.  He and his amazing wife, Betty Jean, had an enormous impact on me personally, and the ministry of speaking and writing to which God has now called me.  It was in the midst of my God ordained transformation at Sheridan Hills and the youth program's greatest growth that Dan dropped the bomb - he felt God calling him back to Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.  Well, I felt God calling him to stay put! 

I loved Sheridan Hills!  It was home!  Going back to seminary meant I would have to go back to teaching elementary school fulltime.  Teaching wasn't the problem but placing our young son, Jered, in daycare.  We had waited so long for this chosen baby, and the thought of relegating his care to strangers broke my heart.  How could this possibly be God's plan when it felt so wrong? 

My favorite worship time at Sheridan Hills was the Wednesday night service - for two reasons.  I enjoyed the contemporary worship and in-depth bible teaching.  I also treasured the fact that, each week, while Dan was in meetings and Jered was in the nursery, I could slip into the empty, darkened auditorium for an hour of solitude.

However, the Wednesday night after Dan shared the numbing probability of our return to seminary, my usually refreshing solitude dissolved into a tantrum of crying, praying and pleading with God to let us stay at Sheridan Hills. 

When a hand gently patted my shoulder, I looked up into the tear-filled eyes of my pastor.  "I have something to tell you," he said.  Pastor Billingsley was not only a spiritual mentor in my life, but a loving father figure as well.  Expecting a word of wisdom or encouragement, I was shattered by his words, "I have cancer."  Speechless, we sat in pain-filled silence, weeping; each flailing in our own sea of emotions and questions.  Bill Billingsley then spoke the words that have guided my steps from the moment he gave them life.  "Mary, just remember that God's will penalizes no one."

I immediately knew I had a choice to make.  I could mulishly hold on to my emotional comfort or submit to God's will.  My choice to obey God plotted the course for an incredible journey filled with purpose, a life of sharing God's hope and healing with women across the world through speaking and writing.  Had my emotions ruled, I would have missed God's best for my life.

Emotions are a gift from God.  While emotions themselves are not sin, the place we give them can be.  Since God created us with the capacity for strong emotions, we can rest assured that He will equip and empower His plan for managing them.

Let's Pray
Father, I come to You, honestly and sincerely asking You to be in control of my emotions.  I live too many days dictated by how I "feel."  I am so sorry, Lord.  Forgive me for not allowing the Holy Spirit to have free reign in my heart and mind.  Please help me live a life marked with peace and with hope.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Take an emotional inventory.  What negative emotion has become a hindrance in your life?  Why? 

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? 

Read and memorize the following promises of God:

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."
Colossians 3:2 (NIV) "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Proverbs 29:11 (NKJ) "A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back."

More From The Girlfriends
When emotions are out of control, the result is stress.  Stress is one of the enemy's favorite weapons.  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.  Know you are not alone, friend.  We are with you and praying for you.

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.

Are you seeking God?   Join other women across the world in Mary's Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey.  When you enroll, you also have access to all of the 2010 studies.  Check it out!

Need hope?  Check out Mary's book, Hope in the Midst of Depression for ways to climb out of that pit you are in.  Learn how you can help someone you love who is dealing with the darkness.   

Need a friend?  Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.  She loves hearing what God is doing in your life!

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

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

[Judy Harder]

July 23, 2010 

When Love Trumps Anger 

Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"My dear brothers, take note of this:  Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires"  James 1:19-20 (NIV). 


Friend To Friend 

"I'm a terrible mom!"

Do you ever say these words?  I do. I just did.

I was working in my office, minding my own business, when my oldest son threw a paper airplane at the back of my head.  Not one to normally welcome an air attack, I gave him the stern "mom voice," and asked him to stop messing around and give me some private time so I could get some work done.   He agreed, and turned to leave.  Surprisingly, he then jumped around and threw it at me again!  Well, let me tell you, my grace-o-meter was reading pretty low at this point!  I barked like an angry dog.  "What in the world do you think you are doing?  I just told you that I needed to be left alone so I can get some work done!  Stop it!"

"There's a message on the plane," he tenderly replied. "Read it, mom!"

As I unfolded the airplane made of orange construction paper, I saw this message written in pink marker:  "I Love You."

"Nice!" I said to myself. "Loser-mom strikes again."  I had scolded my son and reacted out of frustration with an unkind tone.  All the while, my son was trying to communicate love to me. 

I felt horrible ... so, naturally, I started to beat myself up. 

But as shame tried to fill my heart, the Spirit of God within me gently nudged - reminding me that condemnation is not from Him ... that His conviction was purposed to spur me on toward choosing a godly response.  So I chose love - God's love alive in me.  As I chose God's better way, His love trumped my anger.  It's weightier.  Praise God!

I called my son back into my office, and apologized for my behavior.  I welcomed this tall, lanky teen to sit on my lap and told him that - while I'm not fond of airplane attacks, especially while I'm working, I am fond of love attacks.  We held each other and had a very sweet moment.

As I held Preston, God reminded me of this principle: When we allow His love to trump our anger, we are able to experience restoration in relationships.

"My dear brothers, take note of this:  Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires" (James 1:19-20 NIV).

The Bible tells us that we are to be slow to anger.  It is a lesson that I am still learning.  Now, that doesn't mean we should never be angry.  Jesus exhibited righteous anger in the Jerusalem temple when he drove out the merchants that were buying and selling there.  Righteous anger is permissible.  We should be angry about sin and injustice.  But when we respond to others in anger, it becomes our sin.

Got any relationships that are in need of restoration?  Is there any anger, unforgiveness, or bitterness in your heart that might be gaining a stronghold in your life and keeping you from God's best?  The benefits of allowing the love of God to trump the anger in your heart are tremendous, but the application can be very challenging.  We can't overcome our natural, sinful tendencies to react, and overreact, in anger alone.  We need God's help.  His strength will meet us at our need when we call on Him.  The Holy Spirit will help us to respond in God's strength, not our own.

Call on His strength today.

Let's Pray
Holy Father, I need Your help!  I confess my anger/bitterness/unforgiveness right now with _______________.  Please forgive me.  Please bring restoration to the relationships that have been affected by my anger.  Help me recognize when I over-react or when I respond in anger that is ungodly.  Give me the strength to respond in love, so that You can be glorified through my behavior.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Do you need to trade anger for love?  In what relationships?  How?

Ask God to bring a fresh awareness to your soul each time you react in anger.

Are you in a Bible study?  Knowing God's Word is essential to growing in faith.  Join a local Bible study today, or begin reading a book of the Bible on your own.  Try James!

More From The Girlfriends
I'm a very passionate person.  When my kids were little, I over-reacted far too often.  And although God has been working in my heart for years on this issue, I humbly confess that anger still comes much too easy to me.  If you struggle with this, you are not alone.  Need prayer? Let's meet on my Facebook page - www.Facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic - to PRAY for one another today.

NEED HEALING for some heart wounds? Got a friend going through a difficult time? Gwen's book, Broken Into Beautiful, takes the reader by the hand and shows her how God delights to transform lives. To order the book, go to Amazon or, for a signed copy, go to Gwen's website: www.GwenSmith.net. 

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


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