Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

November 16, 2010 

Remodeling 101 

Mary Southerland
 
Today's Truth
Colossians 3:13 "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Friend to Friend
I promised myself that I would never buy a house that could be described as a "fixer-upper." I don't like fixing things. I want everything to be fixed before I move in. But there I was, buying a town house that needed so much work even the realtor couldn't believe my husband and I wanted to buy it. Why didn't someone stop me? No one did, so the sale was made and we went to work. Actually, my son and husband went to work while I went crazy.

I had no idea how horrible the process of remodeling could be. Layer after layer of dirt, grime, stains and ugliness was stripped away. Rotten kitchen cabinets were torn from the walls and rusty appliances were replaced. We basically gutted the whole place and rebuilt it - while living in it. I was not happy!

I will never forget the day I woke up to see a toilet sitting at the foot of our bed. It was at that moment I resolved to never set foot in another house that required so much work. I am so thankful God does not feel that way about me. 

Honestly, I used to wonder why God didn't just demolish the old me and build a new one. Then He did just that - through a two-year battle with clinical depression. While sitting at the bottom of that deep, dark and slimy pit, the Father lovingly stripped away old fears and insecurities. From the walls of my heart, He tore the rotten attitudes, undisciplined thoughts and unholy desires that had walked me to the edge of my pit; then pushed me in. He replaced rusty old dreams with new ones and basically, gutted my life to build a new one, a better one, and a stronger one. Part of that new life was forgiveness. God taught me how to forgive myself so I could then forgive others.

Because forgiveness is so important, it only stands to reason that there are roadblocks that can hinder our willingness to forgive. We must make the commitment to identify and remove each one.

Selfishness
Selfishness shouts, "I have been hurt! It is so unfair. I have rights!" What I am really saying is that how I feel about the hurt is more important than forgiving the hurt.

Pride
Pride cries, "Look at what they have done to me. Don't they realize who I am?" To receive or give forgiveness requires humility.

Low self-esteem
Some of us have built an entire identity around a hurt. The attention we gain from the wrong we have suffered defines who we are. It is something we cherish and refuse to relinquish for the sake of forgiveness.

Blindness
We may be blind to the fact that we have not forgiven a hurt. We have convinced ourselves that we really have forgiven the one who hurt us by going through the motions and saying the right words without really dealing with the pain. In reality, all we have done is dig a hole and bury the pain. As long as hurt is buried alive, it will keep resurrecting itself in our life, but when the hurt is dealt with and forgiveness is given, the pain is buried dead - and it stays dead.

Pain
Forgiveness is spiritual surgery. It exposes old hurts that have never completely healed. We can move, change jobs, change churches, change friends or even change families, but until we yank up the root of bitterness and cover it with forgiveness, we will live with unresolved pain.

Ignorance
Maybe we don't know how to forgive someone because are under the impression that forgiveness is an emotion or feeling. True forgiveness is a choice - a deliberate choice to release the person who has hurt us from the pain they have caused. We can stop forgiving others when God stops forgiving us.   

We need to identify and eliminate the roadblocks to forgiveness so God can set us free, heal our pain and make us more like Him. Now that is a remodeling job I would welcome.

Let's Pray
Father, I praise You for the changes You have made in my life through the power of Your forgiveness. Please help me forgive the people who have hurt me just as You have forgiven me.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now it's Your Turn
The holiday season seems to highlight certain emotions - one of which is emotional pain. A family member has wounded you and shows no sign of remorse. Maybe a friend has betrayed you and refuses to apologize. Or you may be struggling to forgive yourself because you don't think you deserve to be forgiven. None of us deserves forgiveness. Forgiveness is a gift from God. Today is the day to make the choice to forgive. Beside each statement below, write the name of someone in your life who needs your forgiveness.

Forgiveness is not limited to those who deserve it. ______________________________

Forgiveness is not limited to those who apologize. ______________________________

Forgiveness is not limited to those who change. ________________________________

Read and memorize 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

More from the Girlfriends
God is the One who heals. Forgiveness puts us in the correct posture for Him to do so.  Don't wait another minute to deal with the issue of forgiveness in your life. Know that we are praying for you and standing with you as you choose forgiveness.

Check out the free resources that are available on Mary's website.

Join women from across the world in Mary's Online Bible Study, When an Ordinary Woman Meets an Extraordinary God. If you enroll now, you will also have access to all of the 2010 studies. But hurry! This offer ends December 1.   

Need a friend? Connect with me on Facebook or through email. 

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]

November 17, 2010 

Jacob becomes Real 

Sharon Jaynes 


Today's Truth
"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?  Or am I trying to please men?  If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10 NIV).

Friend to Friend
On Tuesday, we looked at the beloved children's story, The Velveteen Rabbit.  If you missed it, click on www.girlfriendsingod.com and find the title in our archives...The Velveteen Woman.

Today, let's look at a man named Jacob.  Jacob - now there was a fellow who didn't know how to be real.  He was the son of Isaac and the twin brother of Esau.  When he was born, even though he was not the firstborn, God promised that the older (Esau) would serve the younger (Jacob).  Jacob was always his Momma's favorite, and she wanted to make sure he received the blessing of the firstborn.  Rather than trust God to do what He said He would do, she decided to help God out a bit.  So she dressed Jacob up like his hairy brother and tricked her nearly blind husband into giving Esau's blessing to Jacob.  Approaching his deathbed, Isaac asked Jacob, "Are you really my son Esau?"

"I am," he lied.

So Isaac gave Esau's blessing to Jacob.

Later, when Jacob became marrying age, His father-in-law-to-be tricked him into marrying the weak-eyed Leah, rather than the promised Rachel.  Ah, but Jacob wouldn't be outdone.  After all, he had learned from the best - his mom.  Jacob in turn tricked his father-in-law and took the best of his livestock for himself.  Jacob was a trickster and he continued to be in control of his life...or so he thought.

But there came a time in Jacob's life when he couldn't control his circumstances.  He was heading back to his homeland to face his brother Esau...the one from whom he had stolen his birthright and inheritance.  Would Esau kill him?  Would Esau welcome him?  Would Esau slay his family?  Would Esau forgive him?  All these questions and more tumbled around in Jacob's mind.

The night before he was to come face to face with his brother, Jacob had a close encounter of the heavenly kind.  In Genesis chapter 32, we read about his wrestling match with an angel.  For years, Jacob had been trying to control and manage his life on his own terms but he knew he had no control over what was going to happen the next day when he faced Esau.  All night Jacob wrested with the angel, trying to convince the angel to bless him, but before that could happen, Jacob had to face reality.

When Isaac asked Jacob who he was, Jacob pretended to be someone he was not and answered"Esau."  During the wrestling match, the angel gave Jacob another chance to right that wrong.

"What is your name?" the angel asked.

This time Jacob didn't pretend to be someone he was not, but answered truthfully.  "Jacob," he replied.

No pretending, no trying to leave a good impression, no explaining, and no justifying.  Jacob spoke the absolute truth. Jacob - the schemer, the deceiver, the manipulator, the con artist.  That's who I am.

Once Jacob decided to be real and give up trying to be someone he was not, God empowered him with His strength and gave him a new name.  No more was he Jacob the "trickster," but now he was Israel, "Prince with God."  Oh yes, he walked with a limp for the rest of his life. Sometimes that's the result of being real.  But that limp was a reminder to Jacob for the rest of his life that God was in control.  He didn't need tricks to succeed.  He just needed God.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to be real and transparent today.  Thank You for accepting me just the way I am, but loving me enough not to let me stay that way.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now it's Your Turn

The angel could have "taken" Joseph without a struggle at all.  Why do you think the angel wrestled with Joseph?

What do you think God was trying to do with this wrestling match?

Is there a limp in your life or a scar on your soul that reminds you of a time that you wrestled with God?  Are you wrestling still?

Are you ready to be real?  If so, God has some amazing plans for you!

More from the Girlfriends
We can have a great impact on those around us when we live an authentic Christian life.  My Girlfriend in God, Gwen, calls it "organic" living.  No fake stuff.  No additives - just the pure real deal.  If you would like to learn more about living the authentic Christian life with no "fake stuff added," check out Your Scars are Beautiful to God - Finding Peace and Purpose in the Hurts of Your Past. 

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


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

[Judy Harder]

November 18, 2010 

Tell It Like It is 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV) "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

Friend to Friend
Okay. It's Sunday morning and you are frantically trying to get ready for church. You somehow managed to set your alarm for PM instead of AM and you are running late. No time for breakfast - which is just as well since you did not have time to go to the grocery store and the only thing in your refrigerator is an almost empty jar of Mayonnaise and a block of molded cheese. Your daughter throws a tantrum because she is not about to wear any of the "dorky" clothes hanging in her closet. Your son is actually wearing his dorky clothes, but he got bored waiting on everyone else to get ready and headed outside to play in the puddles created from last night's storm. It was the perfect opportunity to see if his new shoes really were waterproof like the salesman said. His clothes are now caked in mud, the shoes are definitely not waterproof and he is yelling for help. "Check the dirty clothes basket" you yell back. Desperate times call for desperate measures. 

Your husband, oblivious to the chaos around him, is sitting at the kitchen table, reading the newspaper and drinking his coffee. When he announces that it is time for everyone to get in the car or you will be late for church, your last and completely frazzled nerve snaps. "Why do I have to do everything on Sunday morning - and every other morning for that matter?" you demand. "I have one morning a week that I can relax and have a few minutes to myself," he snaps back. Great!  One more thing for your ever growing list of "things we need to work on in our marriage." Whatever! You don't have time to process that information because everyone is finally in the car and ready to go. 

Your husband decides to drive the speed limit for once in his life which means you are going to be late - and you hate being late. You could cut the tension in the car with a knife, but when you reach the holy asphalt of the church parking lot, you smile and nod as people greet you with, "Good morning! How are you?" But they don't really want to know, and you don't really want them to know. "Great! Everything is just great!" you answer to no one in particular.

Here's my question. Where is the transparency? Why do we feel like we cannot be honest with each other? What is so frightening about saying, "If you really want to know, it has been a lousy morning and I'm ready to explode?"

I think there are several reasons we are afraid to be transparent, but pride is at the root of most of them. We are not willing for others to see us as we really are - a frail human being. I'm not saying that we should launch into a liturgy of complaints every time someone asks how we are, but I am saying that we need to be more transparent. Jesus was.

Jesus wept when His friend, Lazarus, died. When money-changers defiled the temple, Jesus was furious and drove them out with a whip. On the cross, Jesus cried out to God, "Why have You forsaken me?" Jesus was a frequent guest at wedding celebrations and had a sense of humor. He was authentic and real and wants us to live our life with that same emotional integrity and transparency.

In order to understand what transparency is, we need to understand what it is not. Transparency is not a spiritual license to rip someone apart or tell them off. I know what it is like to take an emotional risk only to be blasted under the guise of "just being honest." Transparency is not revenge in disguise nor does it give us permission to unload every problem we have on everyone we meet. 

Transparency is being willing to let others see who we really are and what is really going on in our heart and life. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, the Apostle Paul writes, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." In other words, comfort and encouragement are cyclical.

When I choose to be transparent about my struggle with clinical depression, I position myself to receive and give comfort and encouragement to others fighting that same battle. It sounds so simple, doesn't it? It is - if we choose to be transparent.

Let's Pray
Father, please help me to take off the masks I hide behind. I want to be real and authentic in a way that pleases You and encourages others. I am sometimes afraid to be honest about who I am and what I am going through. Give me the strength to walk through that fear and be the transparent woman of God You created me to be.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now it's Your Turn
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14 "And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." Now think about the people in your life and answer the following questions:

Who needs motivation (idle)?

Who needs courage (timid)?

Who needs strength (weak)?

Who needs understanding (patient)?

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up." How can you apply this verse to the people in your life?

More from the Girlfriends
Encouragement is God's love in action. It is the idea of a "spiritual cheerleader" and we all need a cheerleader. One of the main reasons Girlfriends in God exists is to encourage women. I want to challenge you today to share that encouragement with someone in your life.

Check out these two new resources now available in Mary's online store:

NEW E-Bible Study:  Take this Job and Love it!

NEW CD:  Divine Surprises

Join women from across the world in Mary's Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. Don't miss her new study beginning November 29, The Secret of a Merry Christmas. If you enroll now, you will also have access to all of the 2010 studies. But hurry! This offer ends December 1. 

Need a friend? Connect with me on Facebook or through email. 

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]

November 19, 2010 

"Soul-Blinders" 

Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left" (Deuteronomy 5:32, NIV).

Friend to Friend
When I was a young girl, I rode horses with my cousin, Beth. When she was prepping her horse for shows, Beth would often add blinders to the bridle of her horse. Horse trainers believe these blinders, also called blinkers or winkers, keep the horse focused on what is in front of him, and encourage him to pay attention to the race rather than other distractions, such as crowds. Now, I'm not a horse, but at times my heart sure does wander and get distracted from what really matters. It makes me think that I could really benefit from some "soul-blinders."

You see, I have this distraction problem. At times I look around at what others are doing, being, and accomplishing and feel ineffective, unproductive, and unnecessary. There. I said it. It's not pretty, but it's true.

When do I have this problem? When I look around instead of looking to God. (How bizarre! I even know the answer to my problem ... and I still struggle with it!) Do you ever do that? Do you compare yourself to others and, as a result, determine that there are great deficiencies in your life? Do you ever feel like you don't measure up to those around you? Join the club. I bet we all struggle with this at times.

The good news is that God doesn't leave us without direction or help. He gave us His Word, the Bible, to direct our thoughts, behaviors, hearts, minds and souls - to be our soul-blinders! Scripture reminds us of this in Deuteronomy 5:32-33: "So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess."

Ahhh ... and the light bulbs turn on! When we look to the LORD - to His plan for us - to the one that is unique to each of us, we will prosper. And when we look to the right and to the left, we lose our focus, we worry about comparison, and we become distracted. So, like Paul, let's press on. Forward. With a gaze committed to the path ahead - not to the path that is behind us or on either side. Sisters, like the apostle Paul says, "...I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I d Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14).

Today, I pray that you will join me in asking God to give us soul-blinders. Because when we turn our eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face, the things of earth ... the distractions, the comparisons, and stuff that causes us to lose our focus ... will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

Let's Pray
Dear God, Thanks for giving us the Bible to direct us in life. I ask that You would put blinders on my heart so that I will be solely focused on living for You. I pray as the psalmist does: "I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws." (Psalm 119:104-106) Please help me to follow Your ways.

In Jesus' Name I pray,
Amen.

Now it's Your Turn
Take time to evaluate what people or things might be distracting you from God's best. Spend some time in prayer about it.

How much time have you been spending in God's Word each day? Each week? Each month? Consider adding ten minutes to your current commitment for one week. Ask God to give you a greater clarity of His plans and direction for your life.

More from the Girlfriends
As GiGs, we do life together. Right? Well, with that in mind, I have to tell you that my new CD, Uncluttered, is now available exclusively on my website. (It won't be in stores for a few more months!) I've never been more excited about a CD project! The songs of Uncluttered are purposed to sweep you away from life-noise and to focus your heart and mind on the one thing that matters: your relationship with Jesus Christ.

In my book, Broken Into Beautiful, there is a chapter titled "Measuring Up" that talks about our feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and inferiority. If you struggle with these feelings, I'd strongly recommend you get a copy. I believe it can help change your life.

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

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


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

[Judy Harder]

November 22, 2010 

Hearing God-Seeing God 

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparable great power for us who believe" (Ephesians 1:18,19 NIV).

Friend to Friend
A few years ago, a phenomenon swept the country called "Magic Eye."  These were colorful pictures that had a hidden picture within the picture.  The way you discovered the hidden image was to hold the picture a certain distance from you face and then stare until your eyes went a bit out of focus.  When you did it just right, another three-dimensional picture would pop into view.  At least that's how it was supposed to work.  However, I rarely, if ever, could get my eyes to find the hidden picture.  I noticed that children seemed to be able to do it right away!  I'd hear them shouting, "I see it!  I see it!" while I sat cross-eyed wondering what was wrong with my brain.

This reminds me of the process of reading Scripture.  As I read, I pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal the "hidden picture."  Then as He works to clarify God's Word, I begin to shout, "I see it!  I see it!"

What has been so exciting to me over the years is how the Holy Spirit brings out various and deeper truths of Scripture the more time I spend in God's Word.  He "opens the eyes of my heart" to see new and amazing truths in verses that I've read time and time again.  So many times I've read a verse and thought, "where did that come from?  I've read that passage a hundred times and never seen that before!" 

The Holy Spirit speaks to us when we read the Word and expands and enriches our understanding of the Scriptures, God's character, and God's ways.  When Jesus asked Peter, "Who do you say I am?"  Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."  Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven" (Matthew 16:15-17).  Peter did not figure this out by himself.  God revealed it to him.

We can always be certain that God will never speak to us anything that is contradictory to His written Word.  However, as we go through our day, He will, through the Holy Spirit, remind us of the words we have read and give us illustration after illustration to help us understand and apply those truths to our lives.  I find myself saying to Him, "Oh this is what you meant in the verses I read today," or "Now I understand what you meant by such and such."  As I keep my heart in tune to hearing His voice, the Holy Spirit reminds me of certain passages throughout the day.

The Holy Spirit is the person who takes God's Word that we have stored in our hearts and brings it to remembrance.  Jesus said, "The Holy Sprit will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" (John 14:26).  The Holy Spirit teaches us about God's character, His purposes, His ways, His nature, and His plans.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, thank You for the Holy Spirit who opens the eyes of my heart to understand Your Word and opens my spiritual ears to hear Your voice.  I pray that You will open my eyes today to see the riches that are hidden on the pages of my Bible and detect Your fingerprints that run throughout my day. 

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now it's Your Turn
When was the last time God showed you something new in Scripture that you had never seen before?

Today, go back and read a passage of Scripture that you have read many times before. (Perhaps Psalm 100, John 3, 1 Corinthians 13, Psalm 23)  Ask God to open the eyes of your heart to see something that you have never seen before.

I'd love to hear what He showed you!  Log onto www.facebook.com/sharon  and tell me what you've seen.

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 learn more about how to hear God's still small voice, then this book is for you!  Just click on the link to order.

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]

November 23, 2010 

The Sandpaper People are Coming! 

Mary Southerland 


Today's Truth
Luke 6:27-28 "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."

Friend to Friend
I sometimes think that the holiday season should somehow come with a warning label that reads, "The Sandpaper People are coming!" The holidays usher in many things - one of which is the opportunity to deal with the difficult people in our life. That relative that irritated you last Thanksgiving may very well do the same thing this year. Get ready to deal with your sandpaper people - the people who rub you the wrong way.   

God created us with the capacity for strong emotions and like any gift from God our emotions can be used for good or misused for bad. Sandpaper people not only have an uncanny knack for knowing where emotional buttons are located, they honestly think it is their purpose in life to push every single one of them. Our first reaction to the incessant and calculated button pushing of a sandpaper person is usually angry retaliation while God calls us to a peaceful resolution. When it comes to difficult relationships, God does not want or expect us to declare war. We are to control our emotions instead of allowing them to control us. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:18, "As much as is possible, live peaceably with all men." In other words, we need to set our mind on peace - not winning.     

God's wants us to wage peace in every relationship - including the roughest, most abrasive, anger producing sandpaper people who come our way. A formidable task, since every sandpaper person I have ever known comes complete with a set agenda that targets emotional eruptions and creates constant relationships upheavals. They love a good fight, live to evoke angry reactions and are fierce warriors determined to win every battle initiated by their downright irritating personalities. However, combat is impossible when the enemy has laid down his weapons and chosen peace. 

As I headed to the grocery store for my dreaded weekly shopping trip, I wrestled with my attitude. You have to understand that I absolutely hate grocery shopping but on this particular morning, I vowed to choose joy and turned my focus to the balmy Florida day before me. I had it all under control - until I pulled into the grocery store parking lot. 

It seemed like every South Florida resident was in that parking lot frantically searching for a parking space - and they were not happy. After circling several times, I spotted an empty spot right by the entrance. God does answer prayer. I made a beeline for "my" parking space. Just as I turned to pull in, an older lady boldly stepped into that prized space and with great ceremony, held up her left hand, signaling me to stop right where I was. With her right hand, this self-imposed traffic director began motioning to a man I assumed was her husband as he circled the parking lot in his very large car. I suddenly realized that she was saving "my" spot for him. Of all the nerve! What incredible gall!

Parking spaces are a serious matter to me. Evidently, I was not the only one who felt that way. In the midst of my simmering, soon-to-explode anger, this still small voice reminded me that I had a choice to make. I really hated surrendering my anger to God, but the thought of apologizing to that woman for running over her with my car was more than my mind could conceive and my stomach could handle. I quickly decided that if she was willing to risk her life for a grocery store parking space, she deserved to have it.

Unfortunately, the driver behind me did not agree and whipped her car into the sought after space just in front of the man in his large car, barely missing the traffic controlling woman as she frantically jumped up on the sidewalk, out of the car's path. I decided to watch the scene unfold - or explode. Crude gestures and loud, repulsive words filled the air. Some I understood. Some I had never heard and did not care to define. Threats were exchanged along with promises of retribution.

The whole experience was an ugly reminder that we live in a world filled with angry people who are constantly rubbing each other the wrong way. Sandpaper people.  And while it is true that everyone gets angry from time to time, it is just as true that everyone can learn to effectively control and manage his or her anger. When dealing with a sandpaper person, we must not allow ourselves to become the enemy. As you get ready for Thanksgiving Day, remember to prepare your heart as well to love the hard-to-love people that come your way.

Let's Pray

Father, I am so thankful that You love me - rough edges and all. Please help me to love others in the same way.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now it's Your Turn

Who are the difficult people in your life?

In what way(s) do they irritate you?

What can you do to avoid a difficult situation with the sandpaper people in your life?

Ask God to let you see those difficult people as He sees them - through eyes of love.

Pray for each person and ask God to bless them.

More from the Girlfriends

I can almost hear you saying "What? I'm supposed to ask God to bless this person who is so hard to love?" Yes. Luke 6:28 tells us that we are to bless those who curse us and pray for those who mistreat us. God always honors obedience.

Check out these two new resources now available in Mary's online store:

NEW E-Bible Study:  Take this Job and Love It!

NEW CD:  Divine Surprises

Join women from across the world in Mary's Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. Don't miss her new study beginning November 29, The Secret of a Merry Christmas. If you enroll now, you will also have access to all of the 2010 studies. But hurry! This offer ends December 1. 

Need a friend? Connect with me on Facebook or through email. 

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]

November 24, 2010 

Will the real enemy please stand up! 

Sharon Jaynes 


Today's Truth
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.  The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.  On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.  We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

Friend to Friend
Have you ever had one of those days when you thought...What is going on?  I just don't understand what's happening?  Have you ever had one of those weeks when you felt that there was some invisible force working against you?  Well, sometimes there is.  The Bible tells us that there is a spiritual realm that we cannot see and there are angels working on your behalf!

Perhaps one of the clearest examples of this spiritual battle is recorded in 2 Kings Chapter six. The King of Aram was furious with the prophet Elijah because he continued to reveal his battle plans to the King of Israel.  During the night, the King sent horses and chariots and a strong force to surround the city where Elisha was stationed.  When the sun peeked over the horizon, Elisha's servant pulled back the curtain and stood in horror at their certain doom.

"Oh, my lord, what shall we do?"  The servant asked.

"Don't be afraid," the Elisha calmly replied.  "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see."  Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." 

Elisha knew that God's warring angels were there to protect them, defend them, and fight the battle for them.  While most likely we will never have the privilege of having  the curtain that separates the seen from the unseen parted as Elisha's servant did, we can be sure that God has his angels in place to minister to us in mighty ways (Hebrews 1:14).  There is a battle raging for our marriages, for our husbands, for our children, for our joy, and for our peace.  But just as Elisha encouraged his servant, "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."  We have the LORD on our side!

In Ephesians 6:13-17, Paul describes the armor God provides for each of us to fight those spiritual battles. The helmet of salvation protects our head, the breastplate of righteousness protects our hearts and vital organs, the peace of God protects our feet, the belt of God's truth holds it all together, and the shield of faith (holding up what we know to be true) blocks the fiery darts of the devil.  All the pieces of the armor are for defense except for one - the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God.  With the truth of God's Word, we fight the lies of the enemy (which is his most effective weapon).

When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the desert after fasting for 40 days, He had only one weapon of defense and it is the same weapon that is available to you and me.  He used Scripture to fight the enemy.  "It is written, it is written, it is written," Jesus said. Satan couldn't stand up under that kind of attack, so he fled.  "Resist the devil and he will flee from you," James tells us (James 4:7).  Satan can't stand the Word of God and he can't stand up to the Word of God.

Evil is something to be aware of, but girlfriend, it is nothing to be afraid of.  Greater is the One that is in you than the One that is in the world.  Just pull out that sword and stand your ground.

Let's pray
Dear Lord, thank You for not leaving us defenseless.  Help us to recognize the true enemy in our lives and fight with the mighty weapon of the Truth that You have given each one of us.  I thank You for the power that lives within me...the power of the Holy Spirit.  I thank You for the power that rules around me...the power of God.  I thank you for the power that prays for me continually...the power of Jesus.  I thank you that "those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

In Jesus' powerful Name,

Amen

Now It's Your Turn

Read the story of Elisha and his servant in 2 Kings 6 from your own Bible.

What amazes you about this story?

Does Elisha seem worried at all?

Why or why not?

As you go through your day, remember Elisha's confidence and apply it to your own life!

I'd love to hear how this devotion has helped you see your struggles differently.  Let's chat.  Log onto www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes and let me know!

More from the Girlfriends

Today's devotion was adapted from Becoming the Woman of His Dreams: Seven Qualities Every Man Longs For by Sharon Jaynes.  When facing marriage struggles, sometimes we simply need to remember who the real enemy is.  It's not our husbands.  It is Satan who wants to destroy our marriages.  To learn more about how to protect your marriage through prayer, click on the link to Sharon's book. 

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]

November 25, 2010 

He Took My Place 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Psalm 106:1 (NIV) "Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Friend to Friend
In homes across America, friends and family will gather around beautifully decorated tables filled with warm, scrumptious food to give thanks. It's Thanksgiving Day.  However, this day will be nothing like holidays of the past for many people.   

Lonely but committed soldiers covered in the dust of battle will patrol foreign borders, fighting for our freedom while their families back home long for word of their safety. The homeless will make their way to the nearest soup kitchen, hoping for a warm meal and a smiling face as so many celebrate this day of abundance. An empty place at the table will be a painful reminder of the loved one lost not long ago. A worried husband and dad will sit at the head of the table, wondering how he is going to tell his family that he just lost his job. The list of wounded hearts and unmet needs is endless. 

We convince ourselves that life will be better when we have more money, when we find the right mate, when we get the kids raised or build the right house. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, when we get that promotion, when we are able to go on our dream vacation or when we retire. We keep trying to find joy, contentment and peace in lifeless places and things. Jesus Christ is life. He is Joy and Love and He took our place on the cross.  That's why we can give thanks when it seems as if there is nothing for which to be thankful. 

One day, a man went to visit a church. He arrived early, parked his car, and got out.  Another car pulled up near him, and the driver told him, "I always park there. You took my place!" The visitor went inside for Sunday school, found an empty seat, and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!" The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.

After Sunday school, the visitor went into the church sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, "That's where I always sit. You took my place!" The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing.

Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?" The visitor replied, "I took your place."

Yes, we live in a broken world and life is filled with pain, challenges, dark times and trials, but today can still be a day of thanksgiving and praise because praise and thanksgiving have little to do with the Thanksgiving holiday and everything to do with our inner attitude toward God. It really doesn't matter how much we lose here, my friend.  I have read the Book and we win ... for all of eternity! We just need to take the time to remember ... and give thanks.

Let's Pray
Father, we come to You today, praising You for meeting our needs this year in ways that we may or may not have understood at the time. Looking back, we see Your hand of mercy and love.  We recognize Your presence and Your power and we choose to celebrate You ...we celebrate life.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Check out these two new resources now available in Mary's online store:

NEW E-Bible Study:  Take this Job and Love It!

NEW CD:  Divine Surprises

Join women from across the world in Mary's Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. Don't miss her new study beginning November 29, The Secret of a Merry Christmas. If you enroll now, you will also have access to all of the 2010 studies. But hurry! This offer ends December 1. 

Need a friend? Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

Sharon, Gwen and I want to wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, a day of remembering all that God is, all that God has and all that He wants to be in your life.

We praise Him for allowing us to do life with you and with each other. 

We want you to know that we are with you, on the same journey, here for you, 

Girlfriends in God. 

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]

November 26, 2010 

A Satisfied Soul 

Gwen Smith
 
Today's Truth 

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." (Psalm 90:14, NIV)

Friend to Friend
Our souls constantly demand to be fed, and make no mistake about it: if God does not have the proper place in your life, your soul will remain hungry. When I invite God into my days, I experience His satisfying presence no matter what I face. But when I don't set aside time to pray, when I don't read my Bible, and when I don't praise, I get hungry, really hungry ... and grouchy.

Christians are hungry people. Just like the Israelites who wandered in the desert, we need God's daily bread, His spiritual manna. Jesus taught us to ask for a daily portion. In the New Testament book of Matthew, Jesus took a moment to teach His followers how to pray. In that prayer, commonly referred to as the Lord's Prayer, He said, "Give us today our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11, emphasis mine).

He didn't ask to be fed for an entire week—just for today.

We would be wise to do the same.

Some people might think that once we become Christians all of our spiritual hunger subsides. Not so! I've found that the more I get to know God, the more I want to know Him. The more I experience His peace, presence, and power in my life, the more I want to experience His peace, presence, and power. I crave Him more.

In John 4:13, Jesus says to a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again." He was referring to the water in the well and a body's physical thirst. But then He tells her what He can offer her soul: "but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (v. 14).

Jesus also addressed spiritual thirst and hunger when He spoke to a large crowd outside Capernaum. The day before, He had met their physical needs by miraculously feeding over five thousand hungry people on a hill near the Sea of Galilee. But on this day, the crowds questioned him about what God wanted them to do. Jesus told them that they must "believe in the one [God] has sent" (John 6:29). (God isn't satisfied by what we do, but by whom we believe.) From there, the conversation went like this:

So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"

Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."

"Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread."

Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty" (John 6:30-35).

In his book, Come Thirsty, Max Lucado writes:

            You're acquainted with physical thirst. Stop drinking and see what happens. Coherent thoughts vanish, skin grows clammy, and vital organs shut down. Deprive your body of necessary fluid, and it will tell you.

             Deprive your soul of spiritual water, and it will tell you. Dehydrated hearts send desperate messages. Snarling tempers. Waves of worry. Growing guilt and fear. Hopelessness. Resentment. Loneliness. Insecurity.

             But you don't have to live with a dehydrated heart. God invites you to treat your thirsty soul as you would treat your physical thirst. Just visit the WELL and drink deeply. 


Every day we eat bread (food) to keep us healthy and strong. We stay healthy and strong spiritually by continually communing with Jesus. He calls Himself the Bread of Life as well as the Living Water. In order for food and water to sustain and strengthen us physically, we must eat and drink it. Likewise, we need to call on Jesus each day to sustain us spiritually. Call on Him now.

Let's Pray

Dear God, Thank You for the invitation to come, eat, drink, and be satisfied in You. You are all that I need, and more than enough. I pray that You will bear the weight of the burdens on my heart today, and ask that You would fill my soul with Your rest. Finally, please increase my cravings for You, Lord - so that you can be glorified in and through my life.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now it's Your Turn

Spending time with the Lord through His Word is one great way to feed your soul.  Read and meditate on Psalm 63:1-8.
Read it silently the first time, then read it again out loud.
When have you witnessed God's power in your life?  Thank Him!


More from the Girlfriends

Although your physical cravings might include dark chocolate, coffee, and warm, fresh bread - your soul constantly craves intimacy with God. Spend some time worshiping Him today. Sing to Him. My new CD, Uncluttered, is now available exclusively on my website. (It won't be in stores for a few more months!) The songs of Uncluttered are purposed to sweep you away from life-noise and to focus your heart and mind on the one thing that matters: your relationship with Jesus Christ. Order your copy of Uncluttered today at: http://www.gwensmith.net/store.

Today's devotion is an excerpt from Gwen Smith's book, Broken into Beautiful. In Broken into Beautiful, Smith invites you to hear the stories of women with shattered dreams, shameful secrets, and damaged souls ... and of the loving heavenly Father who makes them beautiful again.

Got FACEBOOK?? Let's meet there and do life together on a whole new level: http://www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic 

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]

November 29, 2010 

Time to Rest   

Mary Southerland 


Today's Truth
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV) "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body."

When the Eastern shepherd brings his sheep back to the fold each night, he stands at the door, counting each one, placing his hand on the head of each animal as it enters the fold. The shepherd is diligent in this daily practice of touching his sheep. Why? If the sheep did not feel the daily touch of his shepherd, it would soon fail to respond to the voice of the shepherd, a reality that would spell disaster for the sheep who would not hear the warning shout of the shepherd when danger loomed. Sheep instinctively know that as long as they follow the shepherd, he will meet their every need. Even when they go through a dangerous valley, the shepherd is beside them. At the end of the day, the shepherd leads the flock back to the fold, a three-sided brush enclosure, and stands by the open door to examine each sheep as it enters. If the shepherd sees one sheep that is bruised or weary, he spreads refreshing oil on it to soothe and heal its wounds, and then gives the sheep a drink of cool water. In short, sheep are completely helpless and totally dependent upon the shepherd for every need.

Friend to Friend
I recently heard the frightening statistic that sleeping less than five hours produces the same response time as someone who is legally drunk. If that statement is true, I am in serious trouble because I have always been a "night person" and have cherished those precious, silent hours when the house was quiet. When I did climb into bed, sleep always came quickly - until the last few weeks. Insomnia is something new for me. I have come to dread the night and its silent but fierce battle with sleep. Tossing and turning, watching the hours creep by leaves a great deal of time to think, pray and learn. I have often taught and loved the promise that "He gives to His beloved in their sleep." As wonderful as that promise is, I am finding it very difficult to function on two or three hours of sleep and am ready to move on to a different classroom. I have tried everything from warm baths and warm milk to relaxation exercises and several herbal concoctions that were downright nasty. The sheep are counted and the blessings listed. I have solved several world problems but what world leader would listen to a woman with dark circles under her eyes who finds it hard to put a complete sentence together due to sleep deprivation?

Then a wonderful thing happened. I caught the flu. I know what you are thinking. Lack of sleep has made her crazy. True - but I was so sick that I was forced to see a doctor. During the course of her examination, she happened to ask how I was sleeping. Now I am certain she was not evenly remotely prepared for my response as frustration and exhaustion spilled out all over her nice, quiet office. Her eyes widened in surprise as I ranted and raved. When I finished my tirade, she smiled and quietly said, "Let's figure out what the problem is." Just like that! 

We talked for over an hour about my life, the medications I was taking, every ache, pain and problem I was experiencing. After a thorough examination, she removed her glasses, sat down and smiled again. "I think I know what the problem is." Evidently, the insomnia is one side affect of a new medication I am taking. It makes most people sleepy but, in my case, causes insomnia. She made some adjustments and prescribed a new medication that enabled me to sleep better than I have in months. I could not believe it! I did not know whether to hug the doctor or deck her! 

Where had she been all of these sleepless weeks and why had she waited so long to figure out the problem?  You already know where I am going with this one. She had been there all along, waiting in her office for me, holding the answer in her hand. Desperation made me seek her help. God's plan is not for us to stumble through the hours and days of life - exhausted and depleted to the point of desperation, drowning in stress.  We can choose to rest. We can learn to be still. 

Matthew 11:28-29 (NCV) "Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest.  Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives."

It seems that during the holiday season, we frantically race from activity to activity, desperately keeping track of the items on our "to do" lists, but losing sight of who and what and important. I am a Master List Maker! I have even been known to write down things on my list that I have done - just so I could mark them off. I know. But I tend to equate the success of my day with the length of those lists. I constantly battle this behavior...especially during the holidays. 

Rest is usually way down on my list of things to do. I am such a slow learner in this area of life. Why, I don't need to rest because ...well, I am Superwoman, right? So very wrong! God is so good to "give" me rest and is so creative in His ways of doing so. Illness, cancelled appointments, missed flights, or unexpected company will force me to stop and rest, focusing on the important things in life like time with God, family, friends, and health. We can cheat this thing called "rest" short-term but the inevitable truth that we need and must rest will play out in our life. 

During the holiday season, carve out time each day to rest. Get a good nights' sleep. Take a 10 minute walk.  Learn the art of the 15 minute nap. Turn off your phone, don't answer the door and spend 30 minutes in total silence. Play a game with your children or visit a shut-in neighbor. Rest can come in many ways. Discover what replenishes you, what rests your soul, and make it a daily habit.   

Let's Pray
Father, forgive me when I abuse my physical body by not getting enough rest. I want to be obedient in this area, but Lord, it seems to be so hard for me. I need Your power to help me make the right choices about how I spend my time. I need Your strength and love to remind and encourage me to be obedient when it comes to rest. I want to praise You and worship You this holiday season by choosing to rest. 

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now it's Your Turn

Think of one person who is replenishing in your life. Make a plan to spend time with that person this week.

Identify one activity that reduces stress in your life. Make a plan to incorporate that activity into your schedule this week.

Read Psalm 23 every day during the month of December and regularly measure your stress levels. 

Make the commitment today to walk in obedience as you learn and choose to rest.

Ask a friend to hold you accountable in learning to rest.


More from the Girlfriends
We are right there with you, girlfriend! I can feel the holiday stress slowly creeping over the horizon. Help!  Let's pray for each other. Let's hold each other accountable and let's encourage each other to find daily time to rest. 

Check out these two new resources now available in Mary's online store:

NEW E-Bible Study:  Take This Job and Love It!

NEW CD:  Divine Surprises

Join women from across the world in Mary's Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. Don't miss her new study beginning today, The Secret of a Merry Christmas. If you enroll now, you will also have access to all of the 2010 studies. But hurry! This offer ends December 1. 

Need a friend? Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email. 

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