Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

November 3, 2008
The Only Perfect Parent
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"In love He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will -- to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves" (Ephesians 1:5-6 NIV).

Friend to Friend
For many, the idea of God being their father may not be a pleasant one.  We have a human tendency to project our perception of fatherhood, based on our own experience with our earthly fathers, onto our idea of the fatherhood of God.

Some never knew their earthly fathers, some had abusive fathers, and some were deserted by their fathers and some had loving endearing fathers and some lost their fathers due to sickness or catastrophe.  Even the best earthly fathers have feet of clay and will disappoint their children.

When I was growing up, I never had lengthy conversations with my father, therefore, when I became a Christian, it was very difficult for me to have lengthy conversations with my heavenly father.  Prayer was difficult. 

We need to remove the mask of our earthly parent from the face of God. No matter what your past experience with your earthly father has been, the truth is your Heavenly Father is the perfect parent who loves you, cares for your every need, is interested in all you do, and skillfully guides you.  He wisely trains you, never deserts you, generously supplies for your needs, is always available to you, and cherishes you as His precious child.

God has made a way for us to understand what He is like. If we want to know the Father, the only perfect parent, we have but to look at the life of His Son.  Jesus said, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father...The words I say to you are not just my own.  Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work" (John 14:9, 10 NIV). The writer of Hebrews explained, "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word" (Hebrews 1:3 NIV).  If you understand what Jesus is like, you understand what God is like and the more intimately you know the Son, the more clearly you understand the character of the Father.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, Thank you for adopting me as your child.  Even though I had many faults and failures, you chose me anyway.  Lord, I pray that I will become more and more like You, my Father, every day.  Do whatever it takes to make me into a child that resembles her Dad.  I love You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
We are called "children" of God.  What does the word "child" imply?

How would you describe the perfect father?

How does Your Heavenly Father fit that description?

More From The Girlfriends
Every little girl dreams of a daddy who loves her.  And the good news is that we do have just that.  If you would like to learn more about Your Heavenly Father who loves you and has great dreams for your life, see Sharon's book, Dreams of a Woman -- God's Plan for Fulfilling Your Dreams.

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


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

[Judy Harder]

November 4, 2008
The Circle of Encouragement
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the 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
You have heard the old saying, "What goes around, comes around."  Truer words were never spoken when talking about encouragement.  We all need encouragement -- especially during the tough times.  Those "tough" times can come in all shapes, sizes and forms and can vary from person to person.  For example, we have one child who has been known to run an extremely high fever, walk around on a broken foot, and have a headache that would put me in bed ... all without a word of complaint.  The doctors have always been amazed at this child's high level of pain tolerance.  We have another child who has been known to dissolve into hysterics at the sight of a splinter embedded in a finger and turn ghastly pale and almost faint at the mere smell of the doctor's office.  The doctor's have been amazed at this child's low level of pain tolerance.  The difference between these two children does not reflect a right or wrong reaction.  As one of my friends often says, "It is what it is!" When each child was in pain, they both needed understanding, compassion and encouragement.

When I went through my first major battle with clinical depression, I was amazed at the people God sent to encourage me.  Phone calls came from friends we hadn't seen or heard from in years.  "I don't know what is going on in your life," they would say, "but I have had you on my heart and just felt compelled to call."  Notes and letters arrived in the mail -- all filled with encouraging words -- many from people who had no idea about my struggles.  Strangers would take one look at me and proceed to rescue me from whatever circumstance in which I was trapped and having a panic attack.   

One of the most precious groups of encouragers was the elders of our church.  With my permission, my husband, as the pastor, shared with them what I was going through and asked them to pray, which they did. These men just didn't think prayer was enough.  These amazing angels wanted to do more by putting feet and hands to those prayers and did not stop until they came up with a rescue plan for me. 

Our church had five services each weekend and because I was so emotionally frail, I never knew which service I would be able to attend until I was on the way.  Dan would relay the message that I was coming and the elders went into action.  One would meet me at the car and escort me inside.  Another would keep an eye on me during the service in case I needed help.  Our church auditorium had three main aisles.  An elder would walk those aisles before and after the service, watching and waiting.  Many times, the elder would press a note of encouragement into my hand as he passed the offering plate.  If he sensed I was in trouble or caught in a draining conversation, he would swoop in, take me by the arm and say, "Excuse us, please.  Mary is needed elsewhere."  I was then ushered to my car, hugged and told, "We are praying for you. We love you. Go home."  I know.  It was amazing!  It was also a main factor in my recovery. 

The reason these special men offered me encouragement was because Dan and I made the decision to share my pain -- openly and honestly.  Doing so invited them into my life.  Now that I am on the other side of that pit, I remember the love and encouragement they gave me -- and I am motivated to encourage others in God's circle of encouragement.  However, there is another very important truth here I don't want us to miss.

There are those who suffer alone and in silence, unable to scrape up the courage to share their pain and have no advocate to sound the alarm on their behalf. I believe God will not only give us the discernment to see their pain, but will show us how to encourage and build them up.  He will show us how to help the weak and be patient with the broken lambs who cross our path ... if we ask Him to do so.  The holidays may be a very difficult time for you.  Would you be willing to share your pain with others and allow God to use them in your life as a source of encouragement?  Perhaps the greatest gift you can give this year is the gift of encouragement to someone who finds it hard to share their pain openly.  Either way, the question is, are you willing?  Don't miss the opportunity to be part of the circle of encouragement. 

Let's Pray
Father, I am amazed at how You love me through others.  Thank You for the gift of encouragement.  Help me to receive that gift and then to give it away to someone else in need.  I want to be Your hands and feet to those who are hurting around me.  Give me eyes to see them, Lord.  In Jesus' name, Amen

Now It's Your Turn

If you need encouragement, think of two people with whom you can share that need and make a plan to do so. 
Look for people in your life to encourage. 
In your journal, record a recent time when you received and/or gave encouragement.  What were the results? 
Write a note of encouragement to someone in need, letting them know you are praying for them.  Offer to take care of a specific need such as preparing a meal, dropping by the grocery store to pick up a few items or picking up their cleaning.  Many times, people in pain can't or won't ask for help.  If you see a need, meet it. 
Write a note of thanks to someone who has encouraged you. 
More From The Girlfriends
We really do need each other, don't we?  God created us that way.  The holidays are often "dead zones" for encouragement.  Our heart and mind is so filled with other things that the signal is not coming through!  We get so busy that we forget the very reason for the season -- Jesus Christ -- the One who loves the most and calls us to love like He loves.  Don't let the stress of the holidays rob you of the joy of giving encouragement.  You can now purchase and download my new bible study, "God's Answer to Stress", as a guide to managing stress and enjoying a holiday season centered on Him.

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 5, 2008
Unfailing Love
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you" (Isaiah 54:10 NIV).

Friend to Friend
2002 was a year of transition for me.  I changed positions at the ministry where I work, my son packed up to go away to college, my thyroid went out of control and had to be purposely destroyed with radioactive iodide, my first book went out of print, the grocery store quit carrying my favorite coffee, and Revlon discontinued the eyeliner that I'd been using for ten years.  Like a little girl who had lost her best friend, I whined, "Doesn't anything ever stay the same?  Isn't there one thing I can count on being the same tomorrow as it is today!"

Then I heard that gentle whisper I've grown to love, "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you" (Isaiah 54:10 NIV).

Yes, there is one thing that will never change, God's unfailing love for His children.  The word compassion in Isaiah 54:10 is the Hebrew word racham, which means "to soothe; to cherish; to love deeply like parents; to be compassionate, be tender.  This verb usually refers to a strong love which is rooted in some kind of natural bond, often from a superior one to an inferior. (Now here's the best part.) Small babies evoke this feeling."

When my son, Steven, came into the world, a love was birthed in my heart that I never thought possible.  Elizabeth Stone said it well: "To make a decision to have a child, it's momentous.  It is to decide to have your heart go walking around outside of your body for the rest of your life."  That is how our Heavenly Father feels about His children!

The beautiful Hebrew word, hesed, is translated unfailing love in Isaiah 54:10. It is often translated loving-kindness, steadfast love, grace, mercy, faithfulness, goodness, and devotion.  This word is used 240 times in the Old Testament and is considered one of the most important in the vocabulary of the Old Testament.  Why?  Because God's unfailing love is one of the most important themes of the entire Bible.  It is who He is and what He does (I John 4:.

How would you like to memorize half of a psalm in the next sixty seconds?  Want to give it a try?  Turn to Psalm 136.  After each sentence, there is an echo, "His love endures forever."  Repeat that sentence twenty-six times and you will have quoted half of the Psalm! David begins by reminding us that God created the world, led the captives out of Egypt and through the desert, and conquered the enemies of the Israelites so they could move into the Promised Land.  While He works in many varied ways and with many different people, one thing remains the same -- "His love endures forever!"

Paul echoes David's words in his letter to the Romans. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38).  "His love endures forever!"

Let's Pray
Dear LORD, even though everything else in my life tends to change, I am so thankful that Your love never changes.  Your love endures forever.  Praise Your Holy Name!
In Jesus' Name, Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Write down all the changes that have occurred in your life over the past year.  Now write down all the ways that God has remained the same through the changes.

Memorize 1 John 3:1

Go back and read Psalm 136.  Use it as a model for prayer, using your own life experiences.

More from the Girlfriends
Can you risk the hope that God still has dreams for your life?  That He hasn't forgotten you?  Place your hand firmly in His, take a deep breath and begin the exciting journey to a place you thought you'd never find: the dream God planned for you all along.  You'll find out how in Dreams of a Woman God's Plans for Fulfilling Your Dream by Sharon Jaynes.

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


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

[Judy Harder]

November 6, 2008
Are You Ready for the Holidays?
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Luke 2:16-20 (NIV) "So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen which were just as they had been told."

Friend to Friend
Are you ready for the holidays?  For some people, that question spurs exciting thoughts of beautifully decorated tables filled with scrumptious meals, festive shopping trips, extended family time, brightly wrapped gifts under a tree ... the "Walton" kind of holiday.  For others, the holiday season is a very difficult and dark time that is to be endured rather than enjoyed.  According to the American Institute of Stress, more than 110 million Americans take medication for stress-related causes each week.  During the holiday season, another one million people battle what experts refer to as the "holiday blues".  I am very familiar with depression and the pain it holds and must constantly battle to stay out of that pit. 

Depression is an emotional, mental, physical and spiritual disorder.  Something is out of balance.  We have buried some pain instead of confronting it.  We have misplaced our trust and sought help from impotent sources.  In order to deal with depression, we must first come to a place of total and complete surrender to God and His plan of healing -- even if we cannot see or do not understand that plan.  The bottom line of God's heart toward His children is always restoration and healing.   

While I am not a big fan of television, I do enjoy watching a few select home improvement shows.  On a recent program, an interior decorator and home owner were discussing a list of changes that needed to be made in order to update the home.  "First, we have to do something about those windows," the decorator announced.  I was surprised that she had listed this task first -- until I saw the house.  The existing glass was not only an ugly shade of gold but was thick and chunky as well.  The windows let in no light and made it virtually impossible to see in or out.  The result was a dark, isolated home.  The distressed homeowner protested, "But I like my privacy.  And if I thought anyone could see in, I would feel totally exposed."  When it comes to dealing with depression, many people feel the same way. 

We construct walls over which no one can climb because the cost of friendship is too high.  We fill the windows of our soul with emotional excuses in order to avoid dealing with pain.  The result is darkness, loneliness and missed opportunities for restoration.  We don't want to understand depression or find the treasures of that darkness; we simply want to be rid of it.  Many people try to understand and deal with depression on a surface level -- refusing to face painful experiences, difficult relationships and, in general, the broken places where darkness lives.  We look for the nearest exit, hoping to bypass transparency because the price is just too much to pay.  Emotional integrity is an essential step to recognizing, understanding and dealing with depression.  We must be real before we can be right, and until we are willing to risk being transparent, we can neither understand nor effectively deal with depression during the holidays or any other time of the year.     

The holidays seem to tug at the masks we carefully hold in place or push the emotional buttons we desperately try to hide.  The arrival of family members can resurrect painful issues that have never really been resolved.  Financial pressure opens up like a sink hole waiting to steal our joy and destroy our peace.  Schedules demand every ounce of energy and false expectations leave us empty and hollow.  Before we realize it, the dark, slimy pit swallows us up.  It is not supposed to be that way, girlfriend! Now is the time to do something about it!

Thanksgiving can be a time of praise if we choose to focus on the victories and joys we have experienced during the year and then find ways to share that victory and joy with others. Christmas can be a true celebration of fresh starts and new beginnings, if we choose to focus on a tiny baby born in a manger, come to save us and give us true life.  The darkness can be destroyed if we choose to face and deal with whatever it holds.  Right now, get ready for the holidays by choosing an attitude of joy, by focusing your mind on the things of heaven -- not earth, and by fixing your heart on Jesus Christ. 

Let's Pray
Father, I want this holiday season to one that is filled with light instead of darkness.  Please help me discard my emotional masks and be real before You as well as with my family and friends.  Give me the courage to be obedient to You in every holiday setting.  Give me eyes to see those You bring into my life that need my encouragement because they are on the same journey.  Father, prepare and enable me to make this holiday season an offering of praise to You.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Take a few moments to re-visit the holiday season of 2007.

What was the best part of those holidays for you?  Why?   
List three changes you would like to make this year.   
What is the first step you need to take to make those changes happen?   
Read Luke 2:1-16. Answer the following questions after reading the Christmas story.

What was the attitude of Mary and Joseph as they traveled to Bethlehem?   
How did the shepherds react to the news of Jesus' birth?  What did they do?   
How would you describe the emotions and thoughts of Mary?  How can your choice to "ponder" on the miracles of Jesus' birth change your perspective of the holidays?
Write a letter of commitment to Jesus, asking Him to empower the choices you have made concerning this holiday season.  Make a step-by-step plan or a list of "dos" and "don'ts" that will help you experience the best holiday season of your life.  Include your family in making this plan and make the commitment to hold each other accountable.

More From Your Girlfriends
Can you believe the holidays are already here?  I have been on a diligent search this year -- to discover the secrets of having the best and most Christ-centered holidays of my life.  I am excited about my NEW MP3, How to Have a Joy-Filled Christmas, and believe it will help you learn how to prevent and control holiday stress, how to give God the gifts He wants to receive from us and how to give ten wonderful gifts without spending a dime.  Download it today!

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 7, 2008
Prayer - Our Calling and Privilege
Melody Hadley

We hope you are enjoying the Girlfriends in God daily devotions.  We (Mary, Sharon, and Gwen) would like to introduce you to some of our special friends.  From time-to-time, the Friday devotions will be written by one of our friends in ministry.  We call them our "Friday Friends."  So grab your Bible and a fresh cup of coffee and drink in the words from our "Friday Friend",

Melody Hadley.

Today's Truth
James 5:16 (NKJV) instructs us with these words, "Confess your trespasses to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

Friend to Friend
The New Testament teaches that intercession is expected of all believers. Praying for the sick is particularly important. To be an effective intercessor we must keep a clean, open heart to hear God's voice and follow His instructions. We must recognize what a great privilege it is to serve God in prayer and that it is our duty as Christians to care about the welfare of others.

My response to God's call to be a mediator/intercessor all began in January 2005. A distraught friend e-mailed, asking that I pray and contact as many prayer warriors as I could for intercessory prayer on behalf of her daughter-in-law who was dealing with major psychiatric and physical health problems. My immediate response was to pray for God's healing and guidance in this young lady's life. I asked Him for direction as to the best method of speedily spreading this prayer concern, and God responded in my heart. He told me to e-mail all the Christian people in my e-mail address book with the request.

The response was overwhelming. Men and women from several states and countries as far away as India and Australia joined me in intercessory petitions to God for this woman, whom they have never met, and most likely never will meet. God answered our prayers, and although this woman still struggles today, her condition has improved.

Because of being obedient to God's leading in what many would call a "small" matter of responding to one prayer request, a ministry was born. Those who shared in the intercession began contacting me to say how humbled and honored they felt to be a participant. They also began sending prayer requests and praise reports on a regular basis. A commonality of purpose emerged from within the group and each member wanted to serve the Lord by serving others, as James 5:16 (NIV) says, "...pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

Who in your life needs your prayer support today? If you need prayer, have you contacted someone, asking for prayer? It's never too late to start praying and it's always too early to stop.

Let's Pray
Dear Father, we come to You seeking to know Your will. Show us where and how we can demonstrate Your love, by praying for others. Give us open hearts and minds so that we can truly identify the specific needs of others. Grant us the ability to be Your hands, Your feet in serving others in love.

In Jesus' name,

Amen

Now It's Your Turn
If you would like to be part of prayer ministry via Internet or phone, there is always a place for you on a prayer team. God encourages us to communicate with Him--so please pray! Contact your church and your friends. If there isn't an existing prayer ministry, consider stepping out and being the facilitator and get a prayer ministry started!

More From The Girlfriends
Think about your hands/fingers. You wash them, use them to feed yourself, type with them, work in the garden, touch a child, play an instrument, etc. They are an amazing and complex part of the body God created for us. A wonderful way to utilize your hands and fingers as prayer reminders is described below.

The Five Finger Prayer

It is sometimes helpful to have a plan to follow when praying. The "Five Finger Prayer" is a simple but effective pattern of prayer:

The thumb is nearest you. So begin praying for those closest to you.

The pointing finger is next. Pray for those who instruct, teach, and heal, including teachers, doctors, and ministers who point others to God.

The tallest finger reminds us to pray for leaders -- men and women in places of influence such as our President, business leaders, your boss -- anyone in power.

The ring finger is the perfect reminder to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain.

The little finger reminds you to pray for yourself.

(Author unknown)

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 10, 2008
Undeniable Access
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." (Ephesians 3:12 NIV) 

Friend to Friend
One of my favorite people is author and speaker Patsy Clairmont.  We were discussing my first book on the telephone one day and trying to set up a time to meet face-to-face when she came to speak at a Women of Faith Conference in my hometown.

"Patsy, I'd love to spend some time with you before the conference, but I don't have a backstage pass.  I won't have access to the part of the building where you will be."

"No problem," Patsy answered.  "Just go to my book table and tell my son who you are.  He'll bring you to me."

The day of the conference arrived, and I swam through a sea of women to reach Patsy's crowded book table.  It wasn't hard to spot her son -- a male version of Patsy herself.  After proper introductions, Jason and I were off to find his mom.  First, we passed through heavy mahogany double doors that led to an area called The Crown Room for the VIP's who attended professional basketball games and other important events.  Then we entered an elevator that took us to an area where the speakers were tucked away.

As I stepped into the elevator, a stern faced security guard pointed his finger in my face and pronounced, "You're not supposed to be here, young lady.  Where's your backstage pass?  You're going to be in a lot of trouble."

He whipped out is walk-talkie and was not afraid to use it.  Before I could force one word out of my dry mouth, Patsy's son stepped forward, showed the guard his credentials, and gallantly stated, "She's with me."

"That's right," I agreed when I had once again found my tongue.  "He's Patsy Clairmont's son, and I'm with him."

"Oh, okay then," the guard said, and he was off to seek and find other dangerous Christian women like myself who were attending the conference.

I had a wonderful visit with Patsy and left the conference very inspired by each one of the speakers, but perhaps the best lesson I learned was on that elevator ride.  One day, we will leave this earth, bound for heaven.  As we make our way to His throne room and pass through heaven's doors, there may be someone lurking in the shadows, waiting to accuse us, to call us unworthy, and to question our credentials.  In Revelation 12:10, Satan is called "the accuser of the brethren."  I envision him standing in my path, pointing his crooked, gnarled, demonic finger in my face and saying, "You don't belong here!  Where's your pass?  What are your credentials?"

Then just as Patsy's son stepped forward to vouch for me, God's Son will step forward and say, "Leave her alone!  She's with me.  I'm all the credentials she needs."

In the Old Testament, there is a sense that God was unapproachable because of His holiness.  In the temple, a veil separated the Holy of Holies where God resided, from the other areas of the temple where the priests attended daily. The high priest only entered the Holy of Holies once a year, on the Day of Atonement.  Before he could enter, the priest went through a rigorous ceremonial cleansing process.  Bells were hemmed to the bottom of his robe and a rope was tied around his foot.  The people outside listened for the tingling bells to make sure the priest was still alive.  If per chance the sound ceased, they pulled the dead priest out by the rope. 

But in the New Testament, things changed.  God was and is still the holy great I AM, but He invites us to enter the Holy of Holies with the confidence of a child approaching his daddy. When Jesus died on the cross of Calvary, God tore the veil of the Holy of Holies from top to bottom, inviting all those who believe in Christ to enter with assurance and confidence. (Mark 15:38).  "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).  "In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12). 

No longer do we have to offer blood sacrifices as they did in the Old Testament.  Jesus Christ is our perfect High Priest who offered the perfect sacrifice -- Himself.  "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water" (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Just like the security guard who pointed his finger in my face and told me I didn't have the right credentials to enter the secure area, Satan will tell us that we don't deserve access to the Father.  Never fear my friend. Jesus Christ stands to show His credentials that allow us to enter the throne room of God.  As a child of God, you have undeniable access because God's Son is with you and in you - and He's all the credentials you need.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, thank You that I can come before You at any time.  Unlike the people in the Old Testament, I do not have to be afraid to come into Your presence, and I do not have to go through an earthly priest.  You invite me to come directly to You.  The only priest I need is Jesus Christ, our High Priest forever.  In His name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
When you go before the Lord in prayer today, thank Him for his undeniable access.

The next time you make a telephone call and are put on hold or have to go through a lengthy series of (if...press two, if...press three, if...press 0) thank God that you do not have to go through such maneuvers to get to Him.

Along with today's truth, ponder these verses:  "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water" (Hebrews 10:19-22 NIV ).

More from the Girlfriends
Can you risk the hope that God still has dreams for your life?  That He hasn't forgotten you?  Place your hand firmly in His, take a deep breath and begin the exciting journey to a place you thought you'd never find: the dream God planned for you all along.  You'll find out how in Dreams of a Woman God's Plans for Fulfilling Your Dream by Sharon Jaynes. Today's story of Patsy and the security guard was taken from Sharon's new devotional book, Extraordinary Moments with God. To read a portion of this adorable gift book, visit www.sharonjaynes.com 

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


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

[Judy Harder]

November 11, 2008
What's In Your Trash Basket?
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"  (John 8:10 NIV)

Friend to Friend
A four-year-old girl was overheard reciting the Lord's Prayer, "and forgive us our trash baskets, as we forgive those who pass trash against us."  When I first heard that story, I smiled. Then I thought of a conversation I recently had with a girlfriend.

She is a Christian friend. But though she has "emptied her trash basket" of sin before the Lord in sincere repentance, she has not emptied the trash basket of self-condemnation. Not completely. She won't allow it. She struggles deeply to let go of mistakes she made in her past. She holds the trash basket lid on tightly. To be free of that waste doesn't seem fair in her mind.

She is haunted by shame. Haunted by sins that are no longer remembered by God. Haunted by sins that have been cast as far as the east is from the west.

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him." (Psalm 103:11-13)

These memories don't live in her past. They live in her now. They haunt her regularly like a spine-chilling horror film monster and as much as she would like to move forward in forgiveness, she just can't find the courage to scare the monster away.

In the New Testament book of John, chapter 8, we meet a woman caught in the act of adultery. The legalistic teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought her before Jesus. They publicly humiliated her in front of all the town's people, saying to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" (John 8:4-5)

Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground with his finger as they continued to question him. Finally, "He straightened up and said to them, '"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.'" Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground" (John 8:7-8).

The crowd eventually thinned to nothing. The older, wiser men cleared first. Then the younger ones trickled away. When the adulterous woman and Jesus were the only ones remaining:

"Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"

"No one, sir," she said.

"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin" (John 8:10-12).

My sister, do you see that our holy Lord delights to show us mercy? He does not condemn us as we deserve. Time and time again, Scripture reveals merciful pictures of forgiveness. The woman in this story was guilty when she was brought to face Jesus, but as she left His presence, her guilt was forgiven. Her trash basket was empty. When we turn to face Jesus with repentant hearts, our guilt is forgiven as well.

This account of the adulterous woman teaches us a valuable lesson about judging and condemning others. We shouldn't judge others. It's not appropriate and it's not our place. Simple as that.

Toss your trash!

But what does this lesson teach us about judging ourselves? My friend that I spoke of earlier carried around a trash basket filled with junk she threw in herself. Sure, it was accompanied by trash from other people too, but the lingering condemnation came from memories of decisions she had made, things she had done, places she had been, and brokenness she has experienced because of her own choices. In her heart, she accepts the forgiveness of Jesus, but she can't bear to forgive herself. So many women won't forgive themselves.

I've been that woman.

I know that woman.

I know that self-loathing. I've lived it. I'm not going to sit here and try to tell you that forgiving yourself is easy. It's hard--and, in a lot of ways, it should be! But I can testify that it wasn't until I prayerfully allowed the stubborn, strong, and unconditional love of Jesus to pry my fingers off the lid of my trash basket and empty the condemning contents, that I experienced true freedom and complete forgiveness.

Is there something for which you have not been able to forgive yourself?

My friend, we need to stop beating ourselves up for sins of our past. We need to stop allowing guilt and shame to chain us to unproductive living. Jesus humbled Himself by becoming human, endured an excruciating death, and then defied the grave in His resurrection so that we could be restored to a place of complete healing. Complete healing.

Second Corinthians 5:21 states that "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." If you are in Christ, the Bible says that your guilt was paid for on the cross of Calvary. Jesus carried the sins of the world on His shoulders so that you would not have to carry them on yours.

If you are holding on to unconfessed sin, the time has come for you to release your grip. God's Word promises that, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

Accept His forgiveness.

None of us is perfect, just perfectly forgiven. Take your hand off the lid and allow the Lord to empty your trash basket of every condemning voice, once and for all. Embrace the freedom that Jesus intends for you to live in.

Let's Pray
Holy Father, Your mercy defies logic in my mind.  I don't deserve it, and I just don't understand how You could possibly forgive me for all that I have done.  Please take my trash basket and empty it.  Forgive me today and help me to forgive myself, and others, so I can live freely in Your amazing grace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Recite, write, and memorize these verses:  "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2)

Prayerfully forward this email to a friend (or friends) who might need to read this message.

Journal what God is teaching you.  Praise Him for revealing truth to your heart and for His matchless grace.

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion is an excerpt from Gwen's book Broken Into Beautiful, and it is a core message of faith.  I know that many of you might have had to read it through tear-filled eyes.  I pray that you will allow God to replace your tears of pain with tears of joy.  I would love you to hear a special song (make sure your volume is turned up).  CLICK HERE TO LISTEN.

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

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

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


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

[Judy Harder]

November 12, 2008
He Calls you by Name
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you.  I have called you by name, you are mine" (Isaiah 43:1 NASB). 

Friend to Friend
Over the years, several people in my life never seem to remember my name.  A few of my more popular aliases are Sarah James, Susan James, Shannon James, and Jane Jaynes.  Then there are the people who just can't remember me altogether and don't even try to fish a name from their memory pool.  To tell you the truth, I'm not very good with names either.

However, names are very important to God.  In the Bible, a person's name revealed a unique quality of their character.  Moses meant "drawn out of water."  Ruth meant "woman friend."  Naomi meant "pleasant," and she changed it to "Mara" which meant "bitter."  Her two sons' names meant "Puny" and Piney."  Evidently, these two fellows weren't exactly strapping young he-men, and both died at an early age.  If a person had an encounter with the living God, many times He changed their name to fit the experiences He had planned for their futures.  Abram was changed to Abraham.  Sarai was changed to Sarah.  Saul was changed to Paul.

Yes, names are very important.  That's why when someone very dear to me forgot mine, it broke my heart.

My father accepted Jesus as his Savior when I was 21 years old. The transformation I saw in him was nothing short of miraculous.  One of the benefits that I received was that he learned how to love me.  In my father's later years, we had a very tender and dear relationship.  But it was short lived.

A few years after dad committed his life to Christ, I noticed him becoming very forgetful.  At first, it was small idiosyncrasies: forgetting an order at work, misplacing his shoes or keys, not remembering what day it was, drawing a blank on a close friend's name.  Then it progressed to more serious absent-minded behavior:  forgetting where he parked in a parking deck (and even which parking deck), coming home to take my mother to the market forgetting he had already taken her an hour before, and becoming confused when taking measurements for cabinets which he had been doing for over forty years.  In 1987, our greatest fears were confirmed.  Dad had Alzheimer's disease.  He was fifty-six-years-old.

My dad had been a tough cookie as a young man.  From the time he was fifty-six to sixty-six, I watched a competent, quick witted entrepreneur reduced to a man who could not remember how to speak, button his shirt or move a spoon from his plate to his mouth.  But what pained me the most was the day he forgot my name.

I still remember holding his face in my hands and saying, "Daddy, it's me.  Do you know who I am?"  But I was only met by a childish grin and eyes that seemed to look straight through me.

Names.  They are important. In Isaiah 43:1, God says, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you.  I have called you by name, you are mine" (NASB).  In Isaiah 49:1, the prophet announces, "Before I was born, the LORD called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name" (NIV).

As God's child, He has called you by name and the Bible promises He will never forget it.  Your name is engraved on the palm of His hand (Isaiah 49:16).

On a Friday morning in May of 1996, the Lord graciously came and took my earthly father to his new home in glory.  He's probably up there right now measuring for cabinets and working on all those mansions we've read so much about.  His memory has been restored and I look forward to the day when my earthly father and my heavenly Father welcome me with open arms and say, "Welcome, Sharon, my daughter, my child."

Let's Pray
Dear Father, sometimes when I think of you calling my name, I am moved to tears.  You know my name!  You have it engraved in the palm of your hand.  Thank you Lord that you will never forget me.  In Jesus' precious name, Amen

Now It's Your Turn
As we have seen, names are important.  The most important name in the universe is God's name.  Do you ever say His name flippantly or without reverence? ("Oh my God," for example.) 

How do you think God feels about His name being used as an explicative? (Exodus 20:7)  Make a commitment today to speak God's name in reverence and holiness.

What does it mean to you that God knows you by name?

Write a prayer of thanksgiving to God expressing the joy of knowing that your name is engraved on the palm of His hand.

More From The Girlfriends
God does know your name, but He has also given you many new names: salt of the earth, light of the world, saint, holy, pure, chosen, Bride of Christ, redeemed, righteous, etc.  If you would like to learn more about your new identity in Christ, see Sharon's book, Experience the Ultimate Makeover.  Also, on her website you can find a laminated card that fits snuggly in your Bible with a list of who you are in Christ!  Visit www.sharonjaynes.com

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


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

[Judy Harder]

November 13, 2008
On Our Way Home
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Philippians 4:4-7 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Friend to Friend
Have you noticed how hard "re-entry" is? 

One of my favorite movies is "Apollo 13" in which we first heard those famous words, "Houston, we have a problem", an understatement, to say the least.  The astronauts faced seemingly impossible odds of getting back to earth but refused to give up the fight until they splashed down in the waters of home.

Life is much the same. We are often thrust into a daily life of foreign and often frightening worlds, shaky circumstances, and impossible trials with no obvious way of escape. It seems like we will never get home and our world will never be right again. 

I have discovered a truth that surfaces in my heart every Christmas holiday.  We all come into this world with a sense of being lost. Tucked into the corner of our souls is a feeling of restlessness...a longing for home, for something eternal.  That longing will never be satisfied outside of a relationship with Him!  God holds each today and every tomorrow in His hands.  Nobody and nothing can fill the "God-shaped" hole in our heart. 

I have come to cherish that desperate heart cry that drives me to my knees and into the lap of my Father!  Each and every time I come to Him, He whispers, "It will be all right. You are not home - yet." 

I do not want this broken and torn world to be my final home, but merely a place I am passing through.  While I am here, I have a God-sized job to do, an extraordinary mission to complete and a wonderful purpose to fulfill.  Is that awesome or what?  Absolutely!  But it is only the beginning of the eternity for which I was created.  It doesn't get any better than that, my friends. 

So as you dive into your hectic schedule, remember that one day, we will be home - with Him - but until then, let's celebrate here! Guard your hearts and mind by filling them with God's Word.  Hold fast to the true meaning of the season and don't let go!  Look for ways to share the message of the manger, embracing that longing for home as a sweet reminder that one day we will celebrate His birth in Heaven.  What a Christmas that will be!  And we are on our way home!

Let's pray
Oh God, I love You and am so thankful for the hope that eternity holds because I know You.  I am not alone, nor will I ever be. I will lack nothing because You are my Provider.  I can sing in the midst of the storm because You are sufficient. I praise You and long for Home.  But while I'm here, help me to be all that You created me to be.  In Jesus' name, Amen!

Now It's Your Turn
Have you ever experienced loneliness or a sense of loss during or after the Christmas season?  I encourage you to prepare for it beforehand.  The best way to get ready for a difficult time is to stay ready for a difficult time.  In other words, now is the time to prepare your heart and mind for the holidays. 

Make time each day to be alone with God. 
Pour out your dreams and desperation to Him. 
Read Psalm 23 once a day. 
Invest at least 15 minutes in solitude each day, allowing your soul to "catch up." 
Make a list of the top five joy thieves in your life and make a plan to eliminate them.   
Prayerfully choose five verses of Scripture about peace.  Write these verses on a 3X5 card and carry it with you through the holidays, referring to it while you wait in line, while you are stuck in traffic, at every meal, etc.  Consider doing the same as a family project.
After the holidays are over, evaluate the difference this preparation made in your holiday celebration. 
More From The Girlfriends
Do not allow anyone or anything to steal your joy as you celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ!  The choice is in your hands.  Need help?  Check out Mary's new bible study, God's Answer to Stress, and let it help you make this holiday season the best one of your life as you learn to manage stress instead of allowing it to manage you.  Blessings.

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


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

[Judy Harder]

November 14, 2008
Hurdles
Angela L. Craig

We hope you are enjoying the Girlfriends in God daily devotions.  We (Mary, Sharon, and Gwen) would like to introduce you to some of our special friends.  From time-to-time, the Friday devotions will be written by one of our friends in ministry.  We call them our "Friday Friends."  So grab your Bible and a fresh cup of coffee and drink in the words from our "Friday Friend",
Angela Craig.

Today's Truth
James 1:2 (MSG) "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that, under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way."

Friend to Friend
Imagine that it is your birthday, and before you sits the most beautiful gift you have ever seen. You can hardly wait to find out what is inside such an amazing gift box, wrapped in gold and glitter. Everyone gathers to celebrate as you delicately undue the paper from the box. You lift the lid to find a note that reads:

Dear (your name here):

Happy Birthday! This year, you will receive tests and trials that will challenge you to your core and require incredible perseverance and resilience on your part.

The good news is that if you persevere, your faith and your character will be built up.

Love,

James

Would you rejoice in such a gift, or would you throw the box at the gift-giver?

I recently read an article about Lolo Jones, an Olympic Gold Medal hopeful.

Lolo grew up in a family that was homeless for many years. Lolo's father was in and out of jail and not in the picture most of the time, leaving Lolo's mother to raise her and her four siblings alone.

Lolo's story continued as the world watched her overcome her tough childhood through her love for running and hurdles. Due to her come-back attitude, Lolo was touted to be the girl who would live out the American Dream story, from rags to riches, from defeat to glory! Lolo persevered regardless of the odds against her!

However, in one moment, her dreams were crushed when she clipped a hurdle during the Olympic trials and went from 1st place to 7th place.

In less than a second, all that she had worked for, all that she had hoped for in her life was gone. In an interview shortly after her fall, Lolo made this statement:

"As I crossed the line it was very hard to pick myself back up," Jones said through tears. "It took about 30 seconds, but you know what?  Today's hard and tomorrow's going to be harder. What can you do but try again?"

How many of us have felt like we couldn't pick ourselves up, that today was hard, but tomorrow didn't look much better? 

The good new is that you and I know a God (or we are getting to know a God) that wants us to overcome every hurdle. He wants to heal every wound and help us walk triumphantly into our future!

So ladies, "what can you do but try again?"

Don't let go of your dreams, God hasn't!

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, teach me how to rejoice when I face trials and challenges in my life. Please help me to see the gain and not the loss of these events. I believe that Your plan for my life is the best one possible and I thank You giving me a resilient and thankful attitude regardless of life's trials.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Now It's Your Turn

What trials or tests are you facing today? 
How are you responding to your circumstances? Do you feel defeated, tired or angry? Are you at the point that you are ready to try again? 
If you are ready to try again, take these actions:   
            a) Change your mind-set to reflect God's word. Trials are not obstacles but opportunities!
            b) Don't stop moving towards your goal. Wishing your circumstances will change will never move you out of adversity. Ask God to help you see the path He would like you to take. God will never fail you!
            c) Anticipate and embrace the personal growth and self-discovery that will take place as you persevere!
            d) Share the lessons you have learned with others that need hope. God can use your past to begin the healing process of another person's pain!

More From The Girlfriends
We all fail and make mistakes.  God understands that we are frail human beings who will never be perfect, this side of heaven.  He stands ready and waiting to pick you up, soothe your wounded heart and wrap His arms of love around His broken lamb.  He will give you time to gather the strength to begin again.  Don't give up!  Don't quit!  Don't stop!  Mary has a CD that will encourage you toward a new beginning.  Visit her online store to download the MP3 or purchase the CD, "I Have a Hope".

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