Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

February 23, 2011 

Get Serious About Sin 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done" (1 John 1:9, NCV).

Friend To Friend
As a little girl, I always looked forward to the first day of summer vacation because it meant two things. First, I did not have to sit in a classroom all day wasting precious brain power trying to comprehend and learn what I considered to be useless information. Second, I did not have to wear shoes except when I went to church or when my mother handed down the decree, "If you are going with me, you have to wear shoes." It had to be a really important errand for me to don even a pair of sandals or flip-flops.

Those first few days of my shoeless adventures were always a painful shock to my tender feet since my "playground" was actually nothing more than a gravel road running beside our house on the edge of town. I played for hours, climbing trees and racing friends up and down that rocky street. At the end of each day, my feet were grimy and filthy, often bruised and sometimes slightly bloody. Even now I can remember the stinging discomfort inflicted by those razor-sharp rocks during the first few weeks of summer. My pain management was firmly rooted in the knowledge that my feet would soon grow callused and tough. I took comfort in the fact that I would soon be running down that gravel road with little or no pain.   

Sin works the same way. The first time we commit a sin it is painful. We are filled with remorse and mourn the fact that we have grieved the heart of God, but regret is not enough when it comes to dealing with sin. Unless we confess and turn away from that sin, we are likely to commit it again. If we allow sin to settle into our life and refuse to confess it, that sin eventually hardens our heart and builds spiritual calluses in our soul. When we become comfortable with our sin, we are walking in enemy territory and setting ourselves up for spiritual failure and discouragement.

The good news is that Jesus understands human frailty. He is well acquainted with temptation and the tactics of Satan. Jesus gave His life as a ransom for yours and mine. He paid our sin debt in full.

1 John 1:9 "But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right.  He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done" (NCV).

This verse was written to believers as an encouragement to deal with sin and a promise that when we do so, God will be faithful to forgive us and clean up the mess that sin has caused. We are not perfect - just forgiven.  To experience that forgiveness fully we need to keep short books on sin. That means being sensitive to sin and immediately choosing to do something about it. God is serious about sin. We need to be as well. 


1.       We must confess sin continually.  "Confess" means to agree with and is a present tense verb meaning that we must confess sin frequently, without stopping. 

2.       We must confess sin completely. We commit sins one at a time. We need to confess them one by one as well. 

3.       We must confess our sin confidently. Once we confess and repent of our sin, we can put it behind us. God is just and fair - seeking only one payment for sin. Jesus has already made full and complete payment with His death on the cross.   

One of Satan's favorite tactics is to resurrect buried sin. Wrapping that confessed transgression in his vain taunts and useless accusations, the enemy hauls it back into focus, hoping that guilt will paralyze and imprison a soul set free. Satan can hold us prisoner if we let him. But how often do we believe his empty lies - and by doing so, grant him access to that which he has no right? To break the hold of sin, we can and must stand against the enemy, trusting not in our feelings but in the facts of God's word. And those facts are unchanging and crystal clear - when we confess sin, God forgives it.   

Let's Pray
Father, do not let me ever forget the price You paid for my sin. Thank You for the forgiveness and freedom You purchased with Your death on the cross. Bring swift awareness and conviction when I sin. Give me the strength and power to deal with and turn from the sin in my life. For Your glory and in Your name I pray, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Set aside time each day to pray and study His Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of every sin that stands between you and God. Confess that sin. Choose against it and walk on in His power and forgiveness. Ask yourself the following questions:

What sin do I need to confess right now?

Why have I held on to this sin?

What effect has this sin had on my life?

What changes do I need to make in order to "turn" from my sin?

Do I really believe that God can and will forgive this sin? Why? Why not?

More From The Girlfriends
The life of Eve is an encouragement to me. Maybe it's because I can relate to a woman who has really made a mess of things. I love the fact that her story is part of Scripture. I believe God uses the life of Eve to remind us that we all make mistakes and are broken and wounded people. But God takes the broken pieces, the wounded hearts and troubled souls, and makes something beautiful out of it all.

Need help? Winning the War with Temptation is one of Mary's E-Download Bible Studies that examines the life of Eve to discover five steps she could have and should have taken to win the war with temptation. The central message of this study is grace, God's unmerited favor, His unconditional love and the complete forgiveness only He can give. Temptation is a certainty of life but God has a plan that will enable us to stand firm in His strength and through the power of His Word.

It's not too late to enroll in Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey, and have access to all of 2011 studies. The current topic is How to Handle Hurt. We will experience pain and hurt but we can learn how to handle the hurt in a way that honors God and assures a life of victory.

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

[Judy Harder]

Feb 24, 2011

A Kodak Moment 

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him" (2 Chronicles 16:9). 

Friend to Friend
In my last devotion, we took a look at the story of the widow who gave all she had to God (Mark 12:41-44 NIV). (If you missed it, click on http://www.girlfriendsingod.com/ and look for the archive The Widow's Mite and Mighty Faith.) This is the last recorded incident in Jesus' public ministry before He makes final preparations for the cross. All the way from Galilee to Jerusalem, He had been teaching the disciples about the high cost of discipleship. "Leave everything behind" (Luke 14:25-33)."He who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 14:11)."Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:27). "In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:33). Now, as they arrived at the temple in Jerusalem, Jesus shows them a living example of his spiritual teaching.

This was Passover week and Jerusalem was teeming with Jews participating in the festivities. Jesus had been teaching for the better part of the day, knowing that this would be the last chance he had to speak to the multitudes in the temple. After teaching, he moved to where the offerings were placed to teach his disciples about true giving.

During the time of Jesus, the temple was partitioned off in various segments allowing only certain types of people in each area. Each partition was separated by a set of steps that led up to the next one. Higher and higher the Jewish leaders elevated themselves from the rest of the common folks. The Court of Women held the temple treasury and it is where all worshippers gave their tithes and offerings. Thirteen boxes, shaped like inverted megaphones or trumpets, lined the walls to receive the money. In this particular story, it was Passover week, so there was a steady flow of pilgrims depositing their contributions. 

Jesus, the Creator of the universe, the God-made-man, the Great High Priest, didn't go past gate 2, gate 3, gate 4 or gate 5. Rather He stayed in the Women's Court with the common folk - with His people. But there was one woman in particular that He was waiting for. He knew she was coming. He was expecting her.

Picture Jesus, pulling up a chair by a certain offering box. Oh, let's just say it was offering box number five. Of course we don't know which one of the thirteen offering boxes Jesus was watching, but the point is, He knew exactly which one she would be coming to. He was waiting for her...she just didn't know it. 

One-by-one, wealthy attendees tossed their coins into the coffers. I can almost hear the clanging now. The more noise the offering made the better. "Look at me!  Look at me!" the loud clanging coins announced. "I'm giving a lot today. Why? Because I am important. I am wealthy.  I am holy. Don't you wish you could be more like me?"

But then, here she comes. A shabbily dressed, worn, old woman. Head hung low, unproud. She timidly approaches the offering box and gingerly places her treasure among the coins. The others "toss." She "places." Two small copper coins - the smallest coins in circulation in Palestine - about a penny (RSV). Two of these lepton, as they were called, were worth 1/64 of a denarius, a typical day's wage. But these coins were, in reality, worth more than any day's wages. They were all she had...and Jesus knew it.

Do you ever feel like other people don't really care about what is going on in your life? Do you feel insignificant in the grand scheme of things? I am sure this widow must have felt the same.  I'm nothing. I have nothing. I am invisible to these men with flowing robes and tasseled garb.

Ever been there? I have. But she wasn't insignificant. Jesus was waiting for her arrival - for her gift. "For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him" (2 Chronicles 16:9). 

Jesus was waiting for this widow. He knew she was coming. And He used a seemingly insignificant woman to teach his disciples about significant giving. The widow had 2 copper coins. I wonder what I would have done in the same situation. I think I would have been tempted to just give one to the temple treasury and keep one for myself. One for You. One for me. After all, God wouldn't want me to go hungry, would He?

When my family and I travelled to Yellowstone Park and Jackson Hole Wyoming several years ago, one of our goals was to see as many unusual animals as possible. For us that was anything other than a dog, cat, or bird. During the entire time, we were on the lookout for moose, elk, buffalo and other furry beasts with antlers. After several days, we fell into the rhythm of looking for groupings of cars stopped alongside the road or crowds clustered in the woods.  This signaled a sighting! As if holding up a neon sign, the assembly let us know we needed to stop. There was some magnificent creature we needed to see.

Imagine with me for a moment. Jesus calls the disciples over to see the widow and her gift.  Thirteen men gather round the offering box as Jesus shines his spotlight on her sacrificial act. Now, what else do you see? I see other people migrating to the scene. "What's so important?"  "What's going on?" "What are you men looking at?" Then Jesus lifts his hand and directs their attention to one of God's magnificent creations. She simply nods and walks away. That, my friend, is truly a Kodak moment.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father:  Forgive me for clinging to my possessions as if they were really mine in the first place.  Help me to give generously and freely every time You prompt me to give.  Thank You for taking care of all my needs according to Your riches in glory.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Can you picture Jesus waiting for the widow to show up at the offering coffer?

How do you think God blessed the widow for her generous gift?

If God had a scrapbook of Kodak moments of your life, what do you think would be included?

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's book, What God Really Thinks about Women: Finding Your Significance Through the Women Jesus Encountered. Through the miracles and messages of Jesus, we discover just what God thinks about women.  God's personal and perfect touch on your life is only a prayer away when you look to Him to loving exchange your heartache, hopelessness, or pain for the beauty of becoming everything He intended for you to be.  You can watch a short video by clicking on the books and audio page of Sharon's website. Check out this book and fall in love with Jesus all over again! 

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


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

[Judy Harder]

February 25, 2011 

What Kind of Book Are You Writing?   

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"I will be careful how I act and will not sin by what I say. I will be careful what I say around wicked people. I became very angry inside, and as I thought about it, my anger burned. So, I spoke" (Psalm 39:1, 3 NCV).

Friend To Friend
A young lady named Sally relates an experience she had in a Seminary class taught by Dr. Smith, a teacher who was well known for his elaborate object lessons. One particular day, Sally walked into the classroom and instantly knew they were going to have a lot of fun. On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table was a large stack of darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of a person they disliked or someone who had made them angry and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture.

Sally's girlfriend drew a picture of a girl who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother who was a constant irritation. Sally drew a picture of a former friend who had betrayed her. As Sally remembered the pain and hurt of that broken friendship, she put a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. When her picture was completed, Sally sat back and gazed at her work, pleased with the overall effect she had achieved.

The class lined up and began throwing darts. Laughter and shouts of success rang out as each dart found its target. Some of the students threw the darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally was looking forward to her turn but was disappointed when Dr. Smith called time and asked the students to return to their seats.

As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target, Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall. Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A complete hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covering His face.

Dr. Smith quietly said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:40, KJV). No other words were necessary. The tear-filled eyes of each student focused only on the picture of Christ. 

Words are like seeds. What we plant will grow. The words we speak are powerful and will either build up or destroy. Words can diffuse anger and turn tragedy into triumph. The right word, spoken at the right time and in the right way can bring peace in the midst of confusion. God gives us "spiritual radar" so we can assess a situation and speak the right word for that circumstance, but how often do we speak before we check the radar?

·         A judge utters a few words and a guilty man is taken to death row.

·         A friend speaks a word of encouragement and a desperate heart finds hope.

·         A mother lashes out with angry words and the light in her child's eyes is gone.

·         A wife offers a word of forgiveness and a marriage is saved.

·         A gossip makes a phone call and a reputation is destroyed.

·         A teenager says "no" and changes the course of her life.

It has been estimated that most people speak enough words in one week to fill a large book of 500 pages which, in the average lifetime, would amount to somewhere around 3000 volumes or 1,500,000 pages. What kind of book are you writing today with your words? 

Let's Pray
Father, I need Your help. I want the words I speak to encourage and build up the people in my life. Forgive me for the hurtful words I have spoken. Teach me how to speak the right words in each situation and how to think before I speak. And Lord, help me keep my mouth shut when I need to!

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Colossians 4:6 (NLT) "Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone."

What guidelines does this verse give us for the words we speak?

What one change do you need to make today in order to tame your tongue?

More From The Girlfriends
I love the honesty of the woman who prayed, "Lord, help me control my tongue so that on Judgment Day, I won't be found guilty of assault with a deadly weapon." I struggle to control the words I speak. I can be quick to criticize and slow to encourage. Not a day passes that I don't find myself wishing I could retract some statement I made during the day. The reality is that a spoken word cannot be unspoken. We need to understand the power of our words and choose them carefully.

Need help taming your tongue when you are angry? Get Mary's six-week Bible Study,

Anger Management 911. Anger is an emotion we all experience at one time or another, but angry words can have disastrous results. This study is based on the life of Nehemiah and will help you learn how to control anger instead of allowing anger to control you.

It's not too late to enroll in Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey, and have access to all of 2011 studies. The current topic is How to Handle Hurt. We will experience pain and hurt but we can learn how to handle the hurt in a way that honors God and assures a life of victory.

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

[Judy Harder]

February 28, 2011 

The Stinky Sour Sippy
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him; for we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life" (2 Corinthians 2:14-16a, NIV).

Friend To Friend
A few years ago, I flew to Nashville to record vocals for a CD project. My girlfriend, Kerri, and I had spent the last day of my trip in a studio, recording background vocals. When we were finished, I had to high tail it to the airport in order to catch my flight home.

Kerri, a young mom, kindly offered to take me to the airport, and I gladly accepted. I'm all about spending time with my friends and catching up on life. As we made our way to the car, Kerri apologetically mentioned that her daughter had dropped a sippy cup of milk in her car the day before, and that she hadn't been able to locate it.

"I will be more than happy to take you to the airport, Gwen," she said, "but there's just no telling what my car is going to smell like!"

"No problem!" I said. "I'm a mom!  I've dealt with many-a-missing milk sippy in my day. How bad can it be?"

Did I mention that it was one of those "you can fry an egg on the sidewalk" days of August? Yep. It was! You know where this is going, don't you?

As we opened the car doors, Kerri and I were smacked silly with the stinky smell of sour milk. Not just a subtle smell, mind you - but a dominant, "been sitting in the 100 degree weather all day" smell. It reeked! We laughed until we almost cried at how horrible it smelled as we made our way down the expressway to the airport. 

Sounds kind of funny, but smells matter. Some smells, like a stinky, sour milk sippy, are offensive. They make you want to escape their presence. While other smells, like fresh baked bread, or a lotioned-up baby, can be greatly pleasurable and inviting. Which type of smell best represents your presence and persona?

As Christians, we need to remember that our attitudes and conversations give off a smell as well. The apostle Paul said, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him; for we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life" (2 Corinthians 2:14-16a, emphasis mine).

Does your attitude give off an aroma of Christ? Are those around you drawn to Him as a result of the love and peace you display? Do your conversations consistently honor God, embody the fruit of the Spirit, and expel the fragrance of life ... or are they sometimes laced with bitterness, resentment, anger, complaining, and/or gossip? It's time to locate and throw away our stinky, sour sippy attitudes, and ask the Lord to renew our minds. Let's run the race before us as women of honor who, through the power of the Holy Spirit, give off an aroma of Christ.

Let's Pray
Holy Father, please forgive me for all of the times I've allowed sinful behavior to creep into my thoughts and conversations. I ask that you will now, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV).
In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read, write down, and commit to memory the following verse: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV).

Spend some time in prayer right now. Ask God to reveal to you any areas in your life that might not "smell" as they should. Then talk to a trusted friend about what He brings to your heart, and ask her to pray for you and hold you accountable.

More From The Girlfriends
As I'm finishing up this devotion, I've got a pot of fresh coffee brewing.  Oh how I love the smell of my dark roast! It's important to understand that when we put love in, we will live love out. Spend some time in God's Word today. I have a GiG challenge for you: for the next 16 days, read one chapter of the New Testament book of MARK per day and ask God to speak to your heart through His Word. Who's in? Click over to my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic  and let me know that you are good for the challenge!!

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


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


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

[Judy Harder]

March 1, 2011   

The Widow's Mite and Mighty Faith 

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny" (Mark 12:41-42, NIV).

Friend to Friend
Beatrice woke as the morning sun peeked through the closed shutters of her sparse bedroom. Every joint in her tired old body creaked like a grinding wheel in dire need of good oiling. 

Her arthritic hands rubbed sleepy eyes and instinctively reached to the empty space where her husband slept so many years ago.

"Another Sabbath to worship Jehovah," she smiled. "Oh LORD, thank you for the health and strength to travel to your house today. Thank you for all the many blessings that you have showered on this old woman."

Beatrice slipped on her worn woolen garment, wound her grey streaked hair around her head and splashed yesterday's water on her wrinkled face. Slipping her hand into her money pouch hidden behind a grouping of jars, she fumbled her fingers to gather an offering for the temple coffers.

A heavy sigh escaped her lips as her hand retrieved two small coins. She put her hand back in the pouch and ran her fingers from side to side. This time she came up empty.

Looking at the two small coins in her hand she continued her conversation with God. "I wish I had more to give you today. But LORD, this is all I have." Not once did Beatrice wonder how she would buy wheat for her next meal. She knew God would provide. He always did.

Beatrice shuffled out the door and through the busy streets of Jerusalem. The population was more than doubled because of the Passover celebration. Jews from miles around gathered at the temple during the holy week.

People, people, everywhere people, Beatrice thought to herself. And not one notices an old worthless widow woman like me.

Beatrice kept her eyes down as she climbed the first set of steps to the Women's Court in the temple. I'm glad I'm not a man or priest, she mused to herself. I don't think I could climb all those stairs to get to the upper levels.

The widow made her way to the same offering receptacle she always used. When she raised her eyes to place the two small coins in the container, she noticed a man sitting right beside it.  It was Jesus!  It was too late to turn back or walk to another coffer. Color rose to her cheeks as she realized that the Teacher was watching her. Beatrice cringed with embarrassment as she dropped the two small coins into the large box. What must he think of me? She thought. Two copper coins.

When she looked up and met Jesus' gaze, he grinned from ear to ear and nodded his approval.  Every winkle in her face crinkled as she returned the smile. But what he said next made her feel like a spry young girl again.

"Peter. John. James. Friends, come over here," Jesus called. "You're looking around at all these people dropping their coins in the temple treasury and I'm sure you have noticed some of the wealthy made large donations. At least they are hoping you've noticed. But I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more in the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth. That was no sacrifice at all. It was just surplus. But this woman gave out of her poverty," Jesus continued as he placed his hand on Beatrice's shoulder. "She gave all she had to live on.  Her gift is more precious to God than all the others combined."

Beatrice gently bowed and turned to leave. Jesus laughed to himself thinking about what she would find in her money pouch the next day. Oh how God loved blessing His children.

Let's Pray
Dear Father, thank You for the many blessings You have given me. I know that I could never out give You! Help me to trust You more with my finances and give You more than I ever have before. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Now It's Your Turn
I hope you have enjoyed my retelling of the story of the widow and her two small coins. It is easy to think of these stories as just stories. But this was a real woman, living in a real world of poverty. We don't know her name, but I've given her one so you could better walk in her shoes.

Have you ever been in a situation like this widow? Have you ever given a sacrificial gift like she did?

I'd love to hear how God blessed you when you did. Let's share on www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes.

Now here's a tough one.  Is God calling you to give more that you have been giving in the past?  If so, what's holding you back?

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's book, What God Really Thinks about Women: Finding Your Significance Through the Women Jesus Encountered. Through the miracles and messages of Jesus, we discover just what God thinks about women. God's personal and perfect touch on your life is only a prayer away when you look to Him to loving exchange your heartache, hopelessness, or pain for the beauty of becoming everything He intended for you to be.  Check out this book and fall in love with Jesus all over again! 

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


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

[Judy Harder]

March 2, 2011 

Failure is Not Final 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"At least there is hope for a tree. If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail" (Job 14:7, NIV).

Friend to Friend
I have never met a single person whose goal in life was to fail but failure is a reality of life. The key to success is not avoiding failure; it is learning how to handle failure.

·         Beethoven's music teacher once told him that he was a hopeless composer.

·         Abraham Lincoln campaigned for a seat in the Illinois General Assembly and failed. He then opened a general store which failed after only a few months.

·         Walt Disney was fired by the editor of a newspaper for lacking creativity.

·         The Ford Motor Company was Henry Ford's third business. The first two didn't work out.

·         A teacher told Thomas Edison that he was too stupid to learn anything.

·         Babe Ruth struck out 1,330 times.

I remember the first time I failed a test. I was in first grade and my teacher, Mrs. Martin, decided to test us on the names of the states and their capitols. We had been studying them for what seemed like an eternity. I did not like Geography and tended to daydream my way through class. Why did I need to know the names of states I would probably never visit? And what was the big deal about state capitols? As far as I could tell from the pictures in my Geography book, they all looked pretty much the same to me - boring.

Even though I did not like Geography, I had to make 100 on the Geography test. Why? I was only six-years-old, but I knew the unspoken rule that failing a test meant I was a failure.

When Mrs. Martin told us to clear our desks except for one pencil, I panicked. A quick glance at the assignment board revealed nothing. The look of confusion on the faces of my classmates told me that they were just as clueless as I was.

"We are having a little test to see how you are doing in Geography," Mrs. Martin explained. I had three problems with her statement. First, there is no such thing as a "little" test. Second, no one had said anything about having a test, and third, I did not know the names of the states and their capitols. When I voiced my complaints, Mrs. Martin smiled and said it was a "pop quiz."

Sidebar: That might have been the moment when I decided to become an elementary school teacher, vowing to never subject my students to the terror of "pop quizzes."

My stomach dropped and I broke out in a cold sweat. My mind raced as I frantically searched for my Geography book. Maybe I could learn the names of a capitol or two while she handed out the tests. "No books allowed," Mrs. Martin warned. I was doomed.

When the blank outline of the United States appeared on my desk, I dissolved into tears. Mrs. Martin immediately dropped to her knees beside my desk and gathered me in her arms. She asked the student teacher to take over as she gently ushered me out of the classroom and in to the nurse's office next door.

When I finally stopped crying, Mrs. Martin said, "Honey, what is wrong?" I could not believe my ears. "I don't know the names of the states or their capitols," I wailed out what seemed to be a ridiculously obvious explanation. "Do you know some of them?" she asked. I thought for a moment. "I know some of them but not all of them and that means I'll fail the test," I responded. "Why don't you just do your best and see what happens," she said. I did my best ... and I still failed the test.

Guess what? The world kept spinning. I passed first grade and elementary school with flying colors, graduated from high school with honors, attended college on a music and academic scholarship and eventually became an elementary teacher. And I failed a lot along the way. So did a lot of people in the Bible. Adam and Eve blatantly disobeyed God and then lied about their sin. David committed adultery with Bathsheba and then plotted the murder of her husband. Peter bragged about his commitment to Jesus but denied Him - not once - but three times. In fact, it is hard to find Biblical characters who did not fail at some point, but those who learned from their failure and used it as a tool of growth were often used by God to accomplish great things. 

I have come to believe that failure is a necessary part of our growth and maturity as a follower of Jesus Christ. Failure can interpret the unconditional love and forgiveness of God like nothing else can - if we let it. Desperation can be our friend if it makes us crave God and long to see His power unleashed in our lives. Failure is not final but God's grace is.

Let's Pray
Father, I come to You, imperfect and flawed, knowing that I have failed You. Forgive me for the sin in my life. Thank You for Your love and mercy that covers that sin. Help me learn the lesson that each failure holds and teach me how to apply that lesson in my daily life. I celebrate the hope and fresh start I find in You.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Romans 8:28. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (NIV). How does this verse apply to the way we view and respond to failure?

What failure are you facing today? Filter that failure through Romans 8:28 and look for the lesson and seed of victory it holds.

Read Job 14:7 (NIV) "At least there is hope for a tree: if it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail." How can you apply this verse to the failures in your life?

More from the Girlfriends
I love how God transforms tragedy into triumph ... failure into success. When we choose to see our mistakes and failures as opportunities for God to work, success takes on a whole new meaning.

Need help facing the storms in your life? Get Mary's 5-week Bible Study, Strength for the Storm. Learning how to face and deal with difficult circumstances can make the difference between a life of victory and a life of defeat.

You cannot change your past, but you can change your response to it, Mary's CD, How to Get Past Your Past will show you how to face your past and determine the power it has in your life today. (Also available as MP3 download) 

It's not too late to enroll in Mary's weekly online Bible Study, How to Handle Hurt and have access to all of 2011 studies. We will experience pain and hurt but we can learn how to handle the hurt in a way that honors God and assures a life of victory.

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

[Judy Harder]

March 3, 2011   

A Dream Come True   

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Once upon a time, not so very long ago or far away, a baby girl was born to parents who could not keep her. While neither parent was willing to release her for adoption, neither was able to care for her. So while the legal system shuffled her case back and forth, the baby girl grew into a toddler in a foster home.

Her care was certainly adequate, her physical needs were met and she never went hungry. Her clothes, though not new, were never dirty. Her toys, though not her own, were always sufficient.  This little girl was not mistreated or abused, and yet, in her heart was a hollow space. She desperately wanted what she had never had - a mommy and a daddy of her very own.

As fate would have it, only a few doors down from the foster home, lived a kind couple with a teenage son. The little girl needed a family, the family wanted a little girl, and the details of a trying and lengthy adoption were settled. And while this little girl received a wonderful mommy and an adoring big brother, it was her daddy and their relationship that was extra special.

Ashley was two-years-old when she entered his life. She was thin, pale and clingy. By the time the adoption was finally complete, she was almost three. Ashley had never seen the ocean, eaten a "Happy Meal," or slept in a bed in a room of her own.

A few months after the adoption, Ashley traveled to the beach for her first family reunion. She was overwhelmed with excitement and pride. She had received so much so fast, and it was hard to take it all in. Ashley asked everyone she met if they were part of her family.

"Are you my aunt?"  "Are you my uncle?" "Are you my cousin?" She ran from person to person showering hugs and kisses on her newly acquired family. "I love you!" she told them. "I love you all!"

When her new daddy took her to McDonald's for the first time, Ashley couldn't join in with the other children who played busily on the playground equipment. She was too busy asking important questions. "Do you have a daddy? I have a daddy! See, that's my daddy over there" she exclaimed with excitement and wonder. "Isn't he wonderful?"

"What's your name?" she asked. "My name is Ashley Jordan AMBROSE - just like my daddy.  I'm named after my daddy!"

Five years later, tanned, transformed and confident, Ashley again returned to the annual family reunion. This time she brought a scrapbook of pictures to share with anyone who would sit still long enough to listen.

"This is my story," she would say. "See, this is where I lived before Mommy and Daddy adopted me.  They picked me out special. See, this is my room now - it's all my own. And these are my toys, and my own clothes, and here's a picture of my kitty, and one of my dog, and ..."

Ashley has love overflowing for everyone, but no one is higher on her list than her daddy. He knows how to polish toenails, drip sandcastles, tie hair ribbons, hold her in the night - and he calls her "his little Princess."

This story, which is the opening of my latest book, 5 Dreams of Every Woman and How God Fulfills Them, was originally told by a friend of mine, Gail Montgomery about her niece. The reason it grabs my heart ...every time ... is because it is my story too. And girlfriend, it is your story as well. We have been adopted by a loving Heavenly Father (Ephesians 1:5, 1 John 3:1-2).  You are His little princess! And just like Ashley, I love Him so much; I just can't help but tell about Him. Who will you tell today?

Let's Pray
Abba Father, I love You.  Thank You for adopting me as Your child.  I pray I will represent our family name (Christian) as I go about my daily life today. 

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What emotions does this story stir in your heart?

How does knowing that you are God's child affect the way you view your life and your circumstances? Let's share our ideas on my Facebook page, www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes

Whom have you told lately about Your Heavenly Daddy?

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's new book, 5 Dreams of Every Woman and How God Wants to Fulfill Them (a new revised version of her previous book, Dreams of a Woman). 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. Let's dare to dream again! 

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


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

[Judy Harder]

March 4, 2011
Get Out of that Boat!
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"Between three and six o'clock in the morning, Jesus came to them, walking on the water.  When his followers saw him walking on the water, they were afraid. They said, 'It's a ghost!' and cried out in fear. But Jesus quickly spoke to them, 'Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.' Peter said, "Lord, if it is really you, then command me to come to you on the water." Jesus said, 'Come.' And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But when Peter saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink. He shouted, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter"(Matthew 14: 25-31, NCV).

Friend to Friend
Jesus and His disciples fed more than five thousand people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. Now that is what I call a miracle! The disciples not only saw the miracle Jesus performed but were the ones Jesus actually commissioned to distribute the bread and fish. Witnessing the miracles of Jesus was not a new experience for these men. In fact, I am sure they considered themselves mature, devoted and unshakable disciples. But when Jesus sent them out onto the water in a small fishing boat while He went up into the hills to pray – their faith was put to the test.

Everything was fine - the disciples' faith in tact - until the storm hit. It is easy to believe God when the skies are blue and the nets are full of fish. How strong is our faith when we are clinging to the side of a rocking boat in the death grip of a brutal storm? The disciples cried out in fear and Jesus came – at the right time and in the right way. Like the disciples, we often question God's timing and His ways. When they don't translate into methods that we can understand, we surrender our faith to the tyranny of fear. Fully devoted followers of Christ are willing to forsake the known for the unknown. They choose to trust God and walk by faith – not by sight or human logic. The response of Jesus to the disciples' fear was encouragement and a call to step out in faith and obedience. The only taker in the boat was Peter.

Matthew 14:28-29 (NCV) "Peter said, 'Lord, if it is really you, then command me to come to you on the water.' Jesus said, 'Come.' And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus."

Faith demands a willingness to give up what we can see in exchange for what we cannot see. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1 NKJV). This verse indicates a persuasion or conviction in response to unseen evidence. But just because we can't see it, does not mean it isn't there.

John Paton and his wife were missionaries in the New Hebrides Islands. One night, hostile natives surrounded the mission headquarters, intent on burning the Patons out and killing them both. Paton and his wife prayed all night, asking God to strengthen their faith. At dawn, they were amazed to see their attackers simply turn and leave.

A year later, the chief of that tribe became a Christian. Paton asked him what had kept him and his men from killing them that night. The chief answered with a question, "Who were all those men with you?" Paton answered, "There was no one with us. My wife and I were all alone." The chief said they had seen hundreds of men standing guard, big men in shining garments with drawn swords. God is not only able to answer our prayer of faith, He delights in doing so. The problem is that we don't always like His answers.

As a fisherman, Peter knew all about boats and storms. However, I feel safe in saying that Peter had probably never tried walking on any kind of water, much less tempestuous water. It didn't matter. Jesus said, "Come." Jesus wrapped a world of truth in that one word. Strength for every trial, faith for every storm, courage for every conflict, the promise of His presence and absolutely everything we need to obey is promised to those who are willing to leave the safety of the boat and "come" to Jesus. God never forces us into obedience. He invites us to obey and leaves the choice to us.

Peter chose obedience when he slipped off his sandals, hitched up his robe and climbed over the side of that boat. Peter left the "known" behind and stepped through his fear in a radical faith that pleased God. Peter then did what we all have done at some point in life. He took his eyes off Jesus. And when he began to sink, Peter cried out in fear. I love the fact that Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed the flailing hand of Peter. I would probably have let the doubting disciple sink like a stone to teach him a lesson. Not Jesus. Grace covered it all – the storm, the sin and Peter's plea for rescue. Love heard Peter's cry. Mercy saved him.

What about you, friend? Are you trapped in a storm, clinging to the sides of a rocking boat and wondering where God is and why He is silent? Is your heart in the grip of fear and doubt? Cry out to God. Take one step of faith, and He will meet you there.

Let's Pray
Father, my heart is filled with doubt and I am afraid. I want to believe You, Lord. I want to step out in faith, trusting You to meet me at the point of my greatest need, but I am so weak. Please teach me to listen for Your voice above the crashing waves of fear and the deadly whispers of human logic. Give me the strength to keep my eyes on You – no matter what my sea of circumstances may be.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Psalm 56:3 (NIV) "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." What do you think it means to "put" your trust in God?

Read John 14:27 (NIV) "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Does peace help us control emotions or do controlled emotions produce peace? Right now, take a step of faith by making the choice to let peace rule in your heart.

More from the Girlfriends
Peace is not the absence of conflict, a lack of trouble or scarcity of problems. Peace is not a feeling. Peace is a Person – Jesus – and when we know Him, we can experience true peace.

Need peace?The "Fear Factor" is not just a television show. Fear is a faithful companion in a world filled with broken people, many of whom live at the mercy of their fears. Mary's Bible Study, Getting a Grip on Fear, will help you discover God's plan for peace by identifying five ways to face and deal with fear.

It's not too late to enroll in Mary's weekly online Bible Study, How to Handle Hurtand have access to all of 2011 studies.

Need a friend?Connect with Mary on Facebookor 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]

March 7, 2011
I Want a Daddy Who Loves Me
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters" (2 Corinthians 6:18 NIV italics added).

Friend to Friend
When I was a little girl, my father spent most of his waking hours working at his building supply company, observing construction sites, or socializing with his colleagues and associates. Even though his place of business was only a few blocks from our home, his heart was miles away in a place I could never find.

My father didn't drink alcohol every day, but when he did, it consumed him. Dad was filled with a rage that always seemed to be boiling just beneath the surface of his tough exterior. When he drank, that rage spewed out like hot lava onto those around him.

As a child, many nights I crawled into bed, pulled the covers tightly under my chin or even over my head, and prayed that I would quickly fall asleep to shut out the noise of my parents yelling and fighting. Crashing furniture, smashing glass, and fist upon flesh were common sounds that pierced my little girl nights. Occasionally I'd tiptoe over to my pink ballerina jewelry box, wind up the key in the back, open the lid, and try to focus on the tinkling melody that came from the music box as the dancer twirled with hands overhead.  I wanted to be wherever she was...anywhere but home.

I was afraid of my father. Even when he was sober, I kept my distance. At the same time, I observed how other daddies cherished their little girls. I saw daddies snuggle their daughters in their laps, hold their hands while walking in the park, or kiss their cheeks as they dropped them off at school in the mornings. Deep in my heart, a dream was birthed.  I dreamed that one day, I would have a daddy who loved me like that – not because I was pretty, or made good grades, or could play the piano well, but just because I was his. I dreamed that one day I would be a cherished daughter and the apple of my daddy's eye.

In talking to women all across the country, I have seen eyes fill with tears when I talk about the dream of having a daddy who loves me.  But the tears are not for me; they reveal the longing in their own hearts.  Butterfly Kisses, a song by Bob Carlisle, climbed the charts in 2000, receiving international recognition in both the Christian and secular music industries. The song was about the tender love between a father and his daughter, starting from her birth to her wedding day. Mr. Carlisle said, "I get a lot of mail from young girls who try to get me to marry their moms.  That used to be a real chuckle because it's so cute, but then I realized they didn't want romance for mom.  They want the father that is in that song, and that just kills me."

What did the little girls long for? They wanted a daddy to scoop them up in his strong arms.  They wanted to plant butterfly kisses on his scruffy face. They wanted to see tears in his eyes when he walked them down the aisle on their wedding day. Little girls and grown women alike long for a father to protect them, help them, guide them, nurture them, and cheer them on through the struggles of life.

In the Old Testament, God has many names.  He is Elohim – the Creator, El Elyon – God Most High, El Roi – the God who sees, El Shaddai – the All-Sufficient One, Adonai – the Lord, Jehovah – the Self-Existent One, Jehovah-Jireh –the Lord Will Provide, Jehovah – Rapha – the Lord who heals, Jehovah—Shalom – the Lord is peace, Jehovah-Raah – the Lord my Shepherd, and many more.

In the New Testament, Jesus introduced a new name for God – Father. In the Gospel of John alone, God is referred to as Father at least 120 times. It is the name that Jesus referred to more than any other and the name that He invites us to use to address the Creator of the Universe. Just stop and think about that for a moment. The God of the universe who created the heavens and the earth, who always has been and always will be, who is all-knowing, all powerful, and present everywhere at once – that same God invites you to call Him Abba Father. He invites you to call Him Daddy!

When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, He said:

"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.  Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  Do not be like them, for yourFather knows what you need before you ask him.  This, then, is how you should pray:

'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name....'" (Matthews 6:6-9 italics added).

Let's Pray
Our Father who art in heaven, Hollowed by Thy name.  Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.  Amen

Now It's Your Turn
I believe that God gives us Butterfly Kisses all through the day.  Today, look for ways that God is sending you little blessings.  Don't miss it!  It could be in a sunrise, a redbird on the backdrop of a gray sky, or a gentle breeze that whispers "I love you."

At the end of the day, visit my Facebook page and share how you sensed your Father's presence today.

More From the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's new book, 5 Dreams of Every Woman and How God Wants to Fulfill Them(a new revised version of her previous book, Dreams of a Woman). 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. Let's dare to dream again!


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

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

[Judy Harder]

March 8, 2011
Laugh it up!
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10, NKJV).

Friend to Friend
Jesus lived and died so that we can experience abundant life. Jesus did not come so that we can merely survive life. Pagans can survive life. God's plan is for us to experience joy and peace – no matter what life holds.

John 10:10 clearly states the promise of God, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." In this verse, "abundant" literally means "going beyond; full or exuberant." In other words, an abundant life is a life filled with joy. Even in the midst of a joy-less world, we can live a joy-filled life for one simple reason – God is in control. And because He is in control, we are promised, "the cheerful heart has a continual feast" (Proverbs 15:15 NIV). Life should be an ongoing celebration.

Now, be honest for a moment. Is your life a continual feast, a daily celebration? Would those who know you best describe you as a woman of joy? Laughter and joy are treasures from God, valuable to us for many reasons.

1.  Joy heals. Proverbs 17:22 "A happy heart is like good medicine, but a broken spirit drains your strength."

We lived in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area when hospitals and doctors first developed "laughter programs." Doctors actually prescribed laughter for their patients. Why? Because they discovered what Scripture has said for thousands of years - laughter heals. Studies show that laughter:

Exercises lungs
Increases circulation
Controls pain
Reduces tension
Strengthens immune systems
In other words, God created us to illustrate the truth, that if we laugh more days, we will have more days to laugh. Joy heals.

2.  Joy makes us strong. Nehemiah 8:10 "The joy of the Lord is your strength."

Joy – humor – laughter – all cultivate inner strength that operates beyond our own human abilities. The joy of the Lord in us will produce His strength through us. A life without joy is like a car without shock absorbers. It will be jolted by every bump in the road. Laughter and joy are the shock-absorbers of life and can radically change our perspective of life and the tough times it holds.

Several years ago, one of my friends had a mastectomy. Sally was out of work for months, undergoing surgery, radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Sally seemed fragile and frail in the way she handled tough circumstances and her battle with cancer was by far the greatest challenge of her life. Anticipating her return to work, Sally's co-workers were a little tense, wondering just how this experience would affect her personally as well as her ability to handle the stress of her job. They got their answer on her first day back at work. Sally walked in, smiling, wearing a large poster-board sign around her neck. On the sign was a huge black arrow pointing down. The sign read, "It was this one!" Yes, joy and laughter make us strong.

C.  Joy makes the ordinary special.

Someone said, "If you have to move ten inches from where you are now to be happy, then you will never be truly happy." As we learn to celebrate the ordinary things in life, we build a life of joy because it is against the backdrop of the ordinary that God's work becomes extraordinary. We don't have trouble celebrating the big events in life. Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries – are celebrations we anticipate and execute with great planning and forethought. We tend to place unrealistic expectations on these celebrations because there is no daily celebration of life.

So celebrate, my friends! Celebrate Tuesdays, half birthdays, haircuts, new jeans and report cards. Celebrate the day braces go on – and especially the day they come off. Celebrate if Dad comes home early. Hey, just celebrate if Dad comes home. My husband is an absolute master at finding joy and laughter in the ordinary and often mundane things of life. Now before I go any further, you need to know that I have his full permission to share the following illustration. I believe his exact words were, "Go for it!"

Several years ago, our family was flying to Texas for the Christmas holidays. Before I could even begin packing, a mountain of laundry had to be done. My sweet husband offered to help. After the first few loads, we turned on the television to watch a Christmas special. Settling into the couch positioned under a wall of windows, we folded load after load of clothes. It was midnight and Dan was bored – a dangerous combination. The drier buzzed and out he went to retrieve the final load. He came back into the room wearing a "hat" which turned out to be a pair of my sexiest underwear. I burst out laughing – and so did the people outside our family room windows.

Each year, our church youth decorated Christmas trees and delivered them to the older members of our congregation - a wonderful act of service. They also had a contest to see who could produce the ugliest tree, which was always delivered to the pastor's home on Christmas Eve. Since we would be out of town on Christmas Eve, they had chosen this particular night to deliver "our" tree. Outside our windows stood youth workers, youth and the youth pastor – laughing hysterically. (Some of them are still in counseling today.) That ordinary chore has become a favorite family story. Joy and laughter make the ordinary special.

I want it all. I want everything God has for me. I want to celebrate life, but I often get so wrapped up in the urgent things that I lose sight of the important things. A celebratory attitude is slowly siphoned from our souls by the countless "joy robbers" the enemy sends our way. Guard your heart and mind. Refuse to surrender your God-given joy to anyone or anything. Join me this week as we celebrate Jesus. Party on, girlfriends!

Let's Pray
Father, I celebrate You! Thank You for bringing joy and peace into my dark world. Thank You for a love that never fails and a peace that meets every need. Help me to remember that because You are in control, I can have joy every step of the way.

In Jesus' name,

Amen!

Now It's Your Turn

Evaluate the joy-level in your heart and in your home.
Identify any "joy-robbers" in your life and make a plan to eliminate them.
Plan a party to celebrate Jesus.   
Memorize the key verse today. Write it on a card and post it where you will see if most often.
More from the Girlfriends
Would my family describe me as a woman of joy? I pray so. I know it doesn't please God when we live as if He is not in control. I know from experience that joy and laughter can heal a broken heart and restore a wounded soul. Today, let's turn to God and choose the joy He offers.   

Need joy?Life is hard. How can we find joy in the midst of difficult times? Mary's Bible study, Laugh More... Live Better is filled with humor, life stories and dynamic principles from God's Word that will help you experience the abundant life God provides.

It's not too late to enroll in Mary's weekly online Bible Study, How to Handle Hurtand have access to all of 2011 studies.

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