Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

June 10, 2011

Fogged in?

Mary Southerland


Today's Truth
II Corinthians 4:18 So we do not look at what we can see right now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven which we have not yet seen. The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.

Friend To Friend
In an effort to escape the brutal summer heat of South Florida, our family headed to the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. We splashed in the icy mountain streams until our hands and feet were almost numb from the cold and spent as much time outside as we possibly could; trying to soak up the cool, crisp mountain air. The Blue Ridge Parkway was one of our favorite spots for hiking, so we planned a day trip that included exploring a few hiking trails, a picnic and a visit to the beautiful and historic colonial home of Carl Sandburg.

We woke to discover the beautiful weather of the day before had dissolved into a soupy mix of drizzle and fog. But we were not about to let a little fog and rain deter us from our original plan. We had been vacationing in North Carolina for years and knew that fog is a common occurrence – even in the summer. We piled into our van and made our way up the mountain.

The closer we got to the Sandburg home, the heavier the fog became. In fact, when we arrived, the fog was so thick that we could barely see the walkway that led to the gift shop where we needed to purchase tickets for the tour of the home and grounds. We decided that we would have to come back another day for the tour, but since we were already at the gift shop, it wouldn't hurt to do a little browsing.

The shop owner greeted us warmly and asked if we would like to purchase tickets for the guided tour that was scheduled to leave in an hour. Always the diplomat, I responded, "Are you kidding me? Have you looked outside?" The owner smiled and said, "Oh, you mean the fog? It will be gone in a little while. Now – how many tickets do you need?" I don't like pushy salesmen, even when they are sweet and kind – and maybe a little near-sighted. "I think we will just wait and see if the fog actually lifts," I responded, convinced that the thick fog would last all day, and resumed my browsing.

I lost track of time and was surprised to hear the owner announce, "The tour is leaving in 15 minutes. This is our final call for tickets." I walked out of the gift shop to discover that the fog really was lifting and the skies were actually beginning to clear. I couldn't believe my eyes! Within minutes, the sun was shining - as if the fog had never existed.

It sometimes feels as if the fog of doubt and fear of darkness will never lift from our lives. The promises of God seem to get swallowed up by the problems we face. We want to curse our crisis – not praise God in the midst of that crisis. The hurt and pain overwhelm our faith and we lose sight of the fact that this world is not our home and the troubles we face are only temporary. Lift up your eyes, Girlfriend. Fix your heart and mind on God – He is with you.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:1-2, NIV).

Let's Pray
Lord, I need Your help. I am tired of trying to face my problems in my own strength. Please help me keep my gaze on You and my glance on my circumstances. Help me remember that Your strength and power are more than enough to face anything that comes my way. And when I am afraid, teach me how to put my trust in You alone.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Isaiah 51:6. "Liftup your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail."

What does this verse say about the importance of earthly possessions and values in comparison to the joys waiting for us in Heaven?

What fears are you facing today? What step(s) do you need to take in order to find victory over those fears?

Read and memorize the following verses. When you are afraid, pray and speak these verses aloud.

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (NIV).
Psalm 63:7-8 "Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me" (NIV).
Isaiah 42:16 "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them" (NIV).
More From The Girlfriends
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. Need help? Check out my downloadable Bible Study, Getting a Grip on Fearthat uncovers God's plan for peace and identifies five ways to deal with and be free from fear.

Don't miss Mary's NEW weekly Online Bible StudyUnder the Influence...of Lovebeginning June 6. Learn five powerful steps you can take to forgive and love your enemies. Enroll now and have access to all 2011 lessons. 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]

June 13, 2011

When Coincidences are Really God-incidences

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 NIV).

Friend To Friend
Have you ever had a set of circumstances in your life that were so unexpected and so convoluted that you knew there was no other way it could have happened except by divine appointment? Heather certainly did. She and her family lived in North Dakota, hundreds of miles from their hometown.  After her grandmother died and her mother-in-law hospitalized for triple by-pass surgery, she longed to move closer to her extended family in Arkansas.  After applying for a transfer, her husband Bob was chosen for a job in Little Rock.  They packed up their three boys, Robert, Cameron, and Caleb and headed east.

During a routine eye exam of their oldest son, Robert, the optometrist discovered a bulging optic nerve.  He was then referred to an ophthalmologist at Saline Memorial Hospital for further evaluation.  A CAT scan showed that fifteen-year-old Robert had a brain tumor.  They were then instructed to take Robert to Arkansas Children's Hospital.  Dr. Burson, one of the neurosurgeons, was there waiting for them.

An MRI showed that the tumor appeared to have tentacles wrapped around the brain stem and needed to be removed right away. If the tentacles were intertwined around the brain stem, and if the stem was damaged during the resection and removal of the tumor, there was a chance that Robert would not be able to walk or talk after surgery.  The doctor assured the weary parents that he would do his best to remove the tumor without damaging the brain stem, but there was a risk.

Friends and family rallied around this little family with prayer and support. A man who worked with Heather at Family Life Today was a great source of encouragement. "Sandy had been diagnosed with a brain tumor years earlier," Heather explained.  "He came to encourage Robert that night in the hospital.  It was so encouraging to see a man who had undergone brain surgery walking and talking normally.  The Lord used him and his story to fill our hearts with great hope."

Then another burst of hope came through an email.  The son of a woman who also worked with Heather also had a brain tumor removed by the same neurosurgeon that would be removing Robert's.  "Dr. Burson studied under one of the greatest neurosurgeons in the country," she began.  "And he is a follower of Jesus Christ too."

The next morning Robert was taken into surgery.  Hours later, the smiling doctor reported that the tumor had been safely removed and the tentacles had not yet wrapped around the brain stem as the MRI had suggested.

God had orchestrated the Molden family's move from North Dakota to Arkansas at just the right time.  He knew the tumor was there.  He knew one of the best neurosurgeons in the country was there. This was no coincidence but a God-incident.  Initially, they moved across the country to be closer to extended family.  But the reality is that God moved them there to take care of one of their greatest treasures...Robert, their son.

Would God do that for one single family in Little Rock, Arkansas?  Absolutely.  There are no insignificant children in God's family.

The mother in Matthew 15 discovered that as well.  Just as Jesus "had to go to Samaria," I believe that he had to go to Tyre.  You see, there was this woman there.  A woman who had cried out to God for the life of her child.  And on God's kingdom calendar, written on Jesus' celestial day timer, her name appeared.

Neither Matthew (Matthew 15) nor Mark (Mark 7) tell us of any other activity that occurred in Tyre.  As far as we know, Jesus didn't come in contact with any other residence or perform any other miracles.  Would Jesus go through all that trouble for one woman and her little girl?  You betcha. That's how significant God's daughters are to Him.

We don't know this Canaanite woman's name.  But here's the thing.  Jesus knew her name.  Jesus knew her address.  Jesus knew her need.  And sister, he knows your name, your address and your need as well.  No matter what you may think of yourself, Jesus thinks you are worth the trip!

As someone once said, "If God had a wallet, your picture would be in it." Each and every one of us has great significance to the Father who cares for us as if we were His only child. If you have ever felt insignificant in your little part of the world, know that nothing could be further from the truth. God treasures you, my friend.  You are important to Him.

Let's Pray
Heavenly Father, I know that there is no such thing as co-incidences in my life. Help me to see the God-incidences that occur every day.  My eyes are watching.  My ears are listening. I don't want to miss it.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Have you ever had a set of circumstances that had God's fingerprints all over them?  Twists and turn that only He could have orchestrated?

If so, write out a prayer of thanksgiving for how He has worked in your life.

Testimonies of how God has worked in your life might be just what someone needs to hear today. I'd love to hear how God has worked in your life.  You could be the very person God will use to encourage me today.  Log onto www.facebook.com/sharonjaynesand share one of your  God-incidences.

More From The Girlfriends
Today's story 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 see how He came to set women free from an oppressive society and into a new life of purpose. Be prepared to fall in love with Jesus all over again! You can also watch a video about the book on the bookstore page.

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]

June 14, 2011

Angels Unaware

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"All the angels are spirits who serve God and are sent to help those who will receive salvation" (Hebrews 1:14, NIV).

Friend To Friend
Diane was visiting in the home of some friends. Time passed quickly as each person shared their various experiences of the past year. She ended up staying longer than she had planned and had to walk home alone. But she wasn't afraid because it was a small town and she lived only a few blocks away. As she walked along under the tall elm trees, Diane whispered a prayer asking God to keep her safe from harm and danger.

When she reached the alley, which was a shortcut to her house, she decided to take it. However, halfway down the alley, she noticed a man standing at the end, as though he were waiting for her. She became uneasy and began to pray again, asking for God's protection. Instantly a comforting sense of quietness and security wrapped around her and she felt as though someone was walking with her. When Diane reached the end of the alley, she walked right past the man and arrived home safely.

The following day, Diane read in the paper that a young girl had been assaulted in that same alley - just twenty minutes after she had been there. Overwhelmed by this tragedy and the fact that it could have been her, she began to weep.

Thanking the Lord for her safety and wanting to help the young woman who had been attacked, she decided to go to the police station. She told them her story and offered to help identify the assailant. The police asked if she would be willing to view a lineup, she agreed and immediately pointed out the man she had seen in the alley the night before.

When the man was told he had been identified, he immediately broke down and confessed. The officer thanked Diane for her bravery and asked if there was anything they could do for her.  Diane was curious as to why the assailant had not attacked her. When the policeman asked him, his answer stunned them all, "Because she wasn't alone. She had two tall men walking on either side of her."

Do you believe in angels? I do. I believe that angels are real and are at work in our ordinary, everyday lives. I have personally sensed the presence of angels in my own life and have talked with many believers who share the same experience and belief. However, the mostpowerful evidence that angels exist is found in Scripture. 

Thirty-four of the Bible's sixty-six books talk about angels in detail.
Every New Testament writer confirms the existence of angels.
The word "angel" or "angels" occurs more than 300 times in Scripture.
From beginning to end, the Bible validates the existence of angels:

Genesis 3:24 "After God forced the man out of the garden, he placed angels and a sword of fire that flashed around in every direction on its eastern border. This kept people from getting to the tree of life."

Revelation 7:11 "All the angels were standing around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures. They all bowed down on their faces before the throne and worshipped God."

When we come to Jesus Christ in a personal relationship, He takes full responsibility for us.  That means He takes care of us. And one of the ways that God cares for us is through the ministry of His angels. What an amazing and comfort-filled promise – that God sends His angels to encourage, protect and guide us on our life journey. As God's messengers and our helpers, angels serve and honor Him through their praise and obedience as they carry out His will here on earth. As believers, we can count on the presence and power of angels.

Let's Pray
Father, thank You for the way You love me and protect me through the ministry of Your angels. Help me be more aware of Your presence at work in my life and remember that no matter what comes my way, You are with me.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Up until today, what has been your initial reaction to the subject of angels? Read the following verses and determine the work of angels in each circumstance.

Genesis 3:24 "After God forced the man out of the garden, he placed angels and a sword of fire that flashed around in every direction on its eastern border. This kept people from getting to the tree of life."

Revelation 7:11 "All the angels were standing around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures. They all bowed down on their faces before the throne and worshipped God."

You may have given little thought to angels and their purpose in our lives. By faith, celebrate the truth that angels exist and honor God by the way they comfort, encourage, protect and guide us. Ask God to make you more aware of the ministry of angels in your life.

More From The Girlfriends
As I look back over the past week, I wonder if I missed the presence and work of angels. Maybe when, at the last minute, the car swerved to avoid hitting me ... or I came across the precious wedding ring I lost weeks ago ... or an unexpected phone call of encouragement from a friend I haven't heard from in years. Some people might say it was just a coincidence or an accident. I don't think so. As you go through your day, set your mind on "things above" and be sure to include angels.

Don't miss Mary's NEW weekly Online Bible StudyUnder the Influence...of Lovebeginning June 6. Learn five powerful steps you can take to forgive and love your enemies. Enroll now and have access to all 2011 lessons. 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]

June 15, 2011

Remembering to Forget

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13, 14 NIV).

Friend To Friend
As humans, we tend to remember what we need to forget and forget what we need to remember. God, on the other hand, forgets what He promises to forget and remembers what He promises to remember. God said, "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more" (Hebrews 10:17).

Paul tells us one of the secrets to his success as a Christian and in life. "But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13,14).

In the Bible, God tells us that He "forgets" our sins and remembers them no more.  But how does an omniscient, all-knowing God forget?  Let's look at the antonym to get a better understanding.

There are many events in the Bible that begin with the words "God remembered":  "God remembered Noah" (Genesis 8:1), "He (God) remembered Abraham" (Genesis 19:29), "God remembered Rachel" (Genesis 30:22), "God heard their groaning and remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob" (Exodus 2:24). In each incident, God's remembering meant that He was about to do something - God was about to act.

Therefore, if God's remembering means He is about to act, then God forgetting means that He is not going to act. "For I will forgive their wickedness," He says, "and will remember their sins no more" (Jeremiah 31:34). He forgets our sins – He is not going to act upon them. Likewise, while we cannot physically forget the details of the wounds of our past, we can choose not to act on them. We can choose to forgive the person who has hurt us and not allow the memory of the offense to control our lives. In that sense, we can forgive and forget.

When Paul talks about forgetting he does not mean that he will or even can wipe an incident from his memory. "Forgetting did not mean obliterating the memory of his past, but was a conscious refusal to let it absorb his attention and impede his progress."(Zondervan NIV Commentary: Volume 2: New Testament (Grand Rapids, Michigan: The Zondervan Corporation, 1994),  pg. 806.) Paul refused to allow anything from his past control his present.  He could tell about it, but without pain, malice, or a hint of revenge.

But it's too hard,you might say. Friend, God will never tell us to do something that He will not give us the power to do. He has instructed us to forgive...so He will give us the power to do so. He has instructed us to leave the past behind ... so He will give us the power to do so. Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). "All things" means all things that God has called us to do.

Isaiah wrote, "When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually? Does he keep on breaking up and harrowing the soil? When he has leveled the surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin?  Does he not plant wheat in its place, barley in its plot, and spelt in its field?" (Isaiah 28:24).

I think for many of us, we have been plowing and re-plowing the ground far too long.  We've been telling and re-telling what was done and how it was done going over the same ground and stirring up the dirt into a giant dustbowl. But there comes a point when it is time to stop plowing up the ground and start planting seeds – until then, we will never see a harvest.

Today, ask God if there is someone you need to forgive, if there is something you need to "forget," or if there is some ground you need to cease plowing. Then give the memory to God and ask Him to plant good seeds for an incredible harvest!

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I've been plowing up the soil of past memories for far too long. Today, I'm going to put away the plow and start planting seeds. When You see me reaching for the plow and going back to rehash old grievances and hurts, I pray that the Holy Spirit will convict me quickly. Today, the past is the past and I'm not looking back.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Are there hurts in your life that you keep stirred up?

Is there a "field" that you continue to plow?

What do you think God wants you to do with those past hurts?

Are you willing to "put the plow away?"

More From The Girlfriends
Forgiveness can be one of the hardest things we ever do.  At the same time, it can be one of the most freeing things we ever do.  Want to learn more?  See Sharon's book that takes you through the healing steps of forgiveness: Your Scars are Beautiful, Finding Peace and Purpose in the Hurts of Your Past.

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


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

[Judy Harder]

June 16, 2011

The Angels Are With You

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 'Because he loves me,' says the LORD, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name' (Psalm 91:11-14, NIV).

Friend To Friend
When we come to Jesus Christ in a personal relationship, He takes full responsibility for us, which means He takes care of us. One of the ways God cares for us is through the ministry of His angels as they help us and protect us.

2 Kings 6:16-17 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' And Elisha prayed, 'O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.' Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."

There was an ongoing conflict between Israel and the empire of the king, Ben-Hadad. Elisha constantly revealed the secret plans of this Syrian King to the king of Israel. When the King of Syria found out, he sent an army to capture Elisha. While Elisha was getting dressed that morning, his servant came running to him in fear. He told Elisha that they were surrounded by the King's army and that the soldiers were carrying powerful weapons of war. Elisha was not disturbed by this news. In fact, he told the servant not to be afraid because "our army is bigger and better than their army." The servant was confused because he could not see any army ready to fight for Elisha. Elisha then prayed and asked God to open the eyes of this servant and allow him to see God's protective angels. "Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."

God's angels protect His children from potential enemies.

Psalm 91:11-14 "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 'Because he loves me,' says the LORD, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.'"

In this passage, "command" means "to order or assign," "guard" means "to observe and care for" and "acknowledges" means "to know intimately." In other words, when we know God and have a personal relationship with Him, He assigns angels to watch over us and to help carry out His plan for our lives.

Hebrews 1:14 "But angels are only servants. They are spirits sent from God to care for those who will receive salvation."

Angels are motivated by their great love for God and are committed to seeing that the will of God is carried out. Most Christians can recall some incident in which their lives have been miraculously saved from disaster. Perhaps a car missed them by inches. An airplane flight was planned, but some reason, was not taken only to later discover that the plane had crashed.  They did not see angels but their presence could easily explain why tragedy was avoided.

John G. Paton was a missionary in the New Hebrides islands. One night, hostile natives surrounded his mission headquarters, shouting threats that they would burn the Paton's home and then kill them. Paton and his wife prayed all night long. At dawn, they were amazed to see the natives turn and leave. A year later, the chief of that very tribe became a Christian. Paton asked him what had kept him and his men from burning down their house and killing them that night. The chief asked, "Who were all of those men with you?" Paton assured the chief that there had been no one there except him and his wife. The chief shook his head and insisted that they had seen hundreds of men standing guard, big men in shining garments with drawn swords.

Scripture is filled with accounts that describe how many of God's servants were delivered from danger. It also tells how many servants of God were not delivered by angels.

Hebrews 11:35-39 "Others were tortured; some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated."

These men had faith, courage and were obedient. Time after time, they must have cried out to God for angels to come – but none came. Why? Hebrews 11:40 tells us that God had a better plan. "To live by faith is better than deliverance by angels." These saints were not physically delivered but they still lived by faith and died by faith enduring pain and suffering, counting on the grace of God to sustain them. Because of their great faith, these "medal of honor" Christians received a greater reward in heaven.

Matthew 5:12 "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

These saints knew that if God said "no" to their request for deliverance, there was a reason. It was part of His plan. If you are like me, there are times when, for the life of me, I cannot understand God's plan and furthermore, even if I understand it, it is just plain hard to accept.  Jesus understands. When Jesus faced the cross, He asked God to deliver Him but God said, "No."

Matthew 26:39 "He went on a little farther and fell face down on the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine."

Angels do exist and they do touch our life. Look around. Listen carefully. Walk by faith. The angels are with you.

Let's Pray
Father, I want to thank You for Your angels and the role they play in my life. I praise You for all of the times that tragedy was avoided because one of Your angels touched my life. Help me to walk in faith and obedience to Your perfect plan – no matter how hard it may be at times. I want to be a woman of faith, a woman who walks with Your angels.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Scripture tells us how angels protected and delivered many of the servants of God. Read the following Bible passages and fill in the blanks. Then celebrate God's work in the lives of these saints and in your own life.

Peter was delivered from ________________ by an angel. (Acts 12:5-11)
Paul received a message of ____________ from an angel. (Acts 27:23-25)
An angel saved the life of Abraham's ____________. (Genesis 22:15)
An angel saved _________________ in the lion's den. (Daniel 6:22)
An angel appeared to Moses in the ____________ _________. (Acts 7:30)
An angel rolled the ___________________ away from Jesus' tomb. (Matthew 28:2)

More From The Girlfriends
We would love to pray for you. Just email your prayer requests to our Prayer Warrior Team Director, Ginger Meador at gjmeador@comcast.net.

Don't miss Mary's NEW weekly Online Bible StudyUnder the Influence...of Love. Learn five powerful steps you can take to forgive and love your enemies. Enroll now and have access to all 2011 lessons. 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]

June 17, 2011

Friends That Sharpen

Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [to show rage or worthy purpose]" (Proverbs 27:17, AMP).

Friend To Friend
Whether it's over a steaming mug of dark roasted coffee, a frilly lunch served at the local sushi restaurant, or a power walk in the wee hours of the morning, my accountability partner and I meet regularly to speak into each other's lives.  We trust each other.  We challenge one another.  I'm a better woman because she's my friend – because she speaks with honesty and courage – because she is for me – because she turns my heart toward God and His ways.

As much as I love girlfriend time – and I truly do love girlfriend time – there's a depth to this particular friendship that flows to the core of who I am.  I often feel uncommonly exposed during our conversations.  Vulnerable, yet safe.  She gets in my grill about my priorities, marriage, mothering, ministry, and faith matters ... and I welcome it.  I need it.

We all need friends. We need people in our lives that will love us where we are and help us get to a place of higher living.  We need friends that will hold us accountable to God's standards - friends that sharpen us.

The Bible makes a compelling point about this type of friendship. "Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [to show rage or worthy purpose]." (Proverbs 27:17, AMP)

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Biblesays of this principle: "We are cautioned to take heed whom we converse with.  And directed to have in view, in conversation, to make one another wiser and better."

Take time to consider your friendships today.  Do you have any friends who sharpen you and challenge your "worthy purpose"?  Who make you wiser and better?  Is there anyone in your life who asks you tough questions, shares godly truths, and confronts you when you need confronted?  If so, thank God for her.  Purpose to connect with her regularly, grant her permission to continue to speak into your life, and ask that she give you permission to do the same.

Are you that friend to anyone?  Do you long to have deeper friendships?  If you find yourself in a wide pool of shallow friendships, I'd encourage you to pray about it.  Pray that God would bring meaningful friendships to your life and that He would teach you what it looks like to be a good friend.

Sharon, Mary and I delight to come along side of you each day as your Girlfriends In God – to spur you on and encourage you towards Christ, but we could never replace the real-life friendships God intends for you to have. "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:  If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NIV)

When we have a friend that sharpens and we become a friend that sharpens, our lives are enriched.  Think about what our churches, our neighborhoods, our marriages, our work places, and our lives would look like if we all had this type of friend in our lives. Helen Keller said it beautifully: "Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light."

Let's Pray
Dear God, Thank You for friendships.  You know the people in my life and the needs of my heart.  Please help me to grow as a woman in my ability to pour into the lives of my friends.  Help my heart be open to godly, constructive feedback that a friend might speak to me, and give me the capacity to love my friends as You love them.

In Jesus' Name I pray,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What friends came to your mind as you read this today? Consider forwarding this email to them.

Send a card, an email, a letter, or a text to a friend today ...  just to bless her.

1 Corinthians 15:33 says, "Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." Are there any friends in your life that are toxic?  If so, prayerfully consider how that relationship affects you, your family, and your faith.  If a friend encourages you to make bad choices and to live contrary to God's Word, then it's probably time to reconsider the friendship.

More From The Girlfriends
Need help finding a trustworthy accountability friend?  Pray about it first, then connect with the women's ministry director or family pastor at your church and ask if they could introduce you to some women who would be well suited and available for such a friendship.

GOT FACEBOOK? Gwen loves her Facebook friends! J Stop by Gwen's page at www.Facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic.  While you're there, leave a message on her wall - listen to a few songs - share the page with your FB friends!  (She interacts with and prays for her page friends regularly!)

Every beautiful act of friendship begins with the heart.  Has your heart been hurt by a friend?  If you would like to learn more about how your brokenness can be transformed into a picture of God's beauty, order Gwen's book Broken Into Beautiful. This resource will help you experience the power of hope, healing, and restoration!

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


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

[Judy Harder]

June 20, 2011

Emergency! Emergency!

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer" (Psalm 17:6 NIV).

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

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

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

"Hello," said the caller. "My son is having a terrible toothache. Is the doctor in?"

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

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

So why did you wait until now to call...thought, not said, of course. Something didn't feel right about the call. Then I asked, "Ma'am, and how old is your son?"

She answered, "27. My son is 27-years-old."

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

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

When I got quiet enough to listen, I heard Him say..."Now you know how I feel."

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, forgive me for only talking to you when I have a problem that needs fixing or a situation that needs solving.  How it must hurt You when Your children come to You always asking for something, rather than simply telling You how much we love You.  Today, I just want You to know how much I love you!  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
How do you feel when your children only come to you when they want something?

When was the last time you went to God with an "emergency" prayer?

When was the last time you went to God with an "I love you" prayer?

Write out a prayer to God, simply telling Him how much you love Him.

Here's a challenge.  Log onto my Facebook page and tell me 3 reasons you love God today.  www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes.

More From The Girlfriends
Don't you love reading stories of God's fingerprints on the pages of everyday life!  Sharon's devotion book, Extraordinary Moments with God, is full of them!  Some stories will make you laugh.  Some stories will make you cry.  Each story will point you to God and strengthen your relationship with Him.  To learn more, 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]

June 21, 2011

A Great Plan

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
The LORD is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy" (Psalm 28:7).

Friend To Friend
I love the story of a tourist visiting the Grand Canyon. As he gazed in wonder at the sight before him, the tourist got too close to the edge, lost his footing and fell over the side. Just before he went out of sight, the man grabbed a scrubby bush and held on for dear life. Filled with terror, he called out toward heaven, "Is anyone up there?" A calm powerful voice came out of the sky, "Yes, there is." The tourist pleaded, "Can you help me?" The calm voice replied, "I'm sure I can. What seems to be the problem?" The man explained, "I fell over the edge of the canyon and am now dangling in space, holding onto a bush that's about to come loose. Please help me!" The voice said, "I will. Do you have faith?" The terrified man replied, "Yes! I have strong faith!" The voice said, "Then just let go. Everything will be fine." There was a tense pause. The tourist then yelled, "Is there anyone else up there?"

The first time I heard that story, I laughed and thought, "How ridiculous!" My next thought was that I have more in common with the tourist than I care to admit.

How often do I edge my way toward a dangerous cliff of disobedience and find myself giving in to temptation? How many times have I cried out to God to rescue me from some self-made pit into which I have fallen, but dictated how I wanted to be rescued? I can't begin to count the number of times when I have foolishly chosen to follow my plan instead of God's plan for my life. Now that's ridiculous.

Max Lucado tells the story of buying a new bicycle for his oldest daughter. It was her first "real" bike because it had no training wheels. After watching her sister ride the new bicycle, his younger daughter wanted a new bike, too. Max Lucado explained, "Your sister is older. She doesn't need training wheels anymore." His young daughter was not buying his story and kept badgering him for a new bike. In frustration, Max Lucado finally said, "Honey, I am your dad. You are just going to have to trust me this time." His daughter thought for a moment before responding, "No. I'm just gonna get me a different daddy."

God has a unique plan for each one of us that is beyond human understanding or expectation.  It is called His will. God has been making His will known from the very beginning of time. In the Garden of Eden God revealed to Adam and Eve His will or plan for their lives. It is important to note that with the revealed plan He also gave them the choice to obey because He is a loving Father and a gracious God. Knowing that His way was right, God still allowed Adam and Eve to choose the wrong way. They made the wrong choice - but He still loved them and forgave them.  He will do the same for you.

The Bible promises that God's plan is the best plan; the one for which we were created. Psalm 32:8 "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life." God agrees to not only show us the plan, He promises to provide all of the strength and resources needed to carry out that plan.  His sufficient and constant power is unleashed by our choice to accept and follow His blueprint for victorious living.

We were created by the One who knows us best and loves us most. There are no accidents with God. He never has to say, "Oops!" Before we were ever conceived in the heart and mind of man we were conceived in the heart and mind of God. Wanted, loved and planned since before the world began. He had a plan in mind and lovingly, purposefully created us in response to that plan.

I know that there are days when the will of God seems completely wrong and we simply do not understand. Every moment is pregnant with darkness and our hearts are numb, paralyzed by fear and doubt. We are treading water in the storm tossed sea of life, desperately longing to see Him walking on the treacherous waves toward us, rescue in His hand. It is in those shadowed moments that we must choose to trust the Plan Maker even though our faith is small and we cannot understand the plan. His ways are higher than our ways. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. And one day, every one of our question marks will be yanked into exclamation points as we see that high plan as He sees it – perfect.

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT).

Today, my friend set aside your meager agenda. Lay down your limited life arrangement and look for God to meet you at the point of surrender - power and victory in His hands. Now that is a great plan.

Let's Pray
Father, please forgive me when I stubbornly choose to ignore Your plan for my life. Thank You for always being there for me, ready to rescue me from my own selfish desires and decisions. Help me to remember that Your plan is the highest plan for my life and give me the strength to follow that plan. I want to honor and please You, Lord.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What things or people besides Jesus are you tempted to place your trust in during a crisis?
What keeps you from fully trusting the words of Jesus?
How would your life be different if you chose to place your trust in Jesus alone?

Read Matthew 7:24-28. How do these verses relate to your faith in God and the results of trusting Him?

"Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash. When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching." (Matthew 7:24-28).

More From The Girlfriends
I know that plans are rampant in your life - but the only plan that really matters is the one God has for you. Don't settle for anything less. Need help dealing with temptation? Check out Mary's Bible Study (E-Book download), Winning the War with Temptation.Don't miss Mary's NEW weekly Online Bible StudyUnder the Influence...of Love. Learn five powerful steps you can take to forgive and love your enemies. Enroll now and have access to all 2011 lessons. 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]

June 22, 2011

Let's Joust, Daddy!

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation" (Psalm 5:3-4 NIV).                             


Friend To Friend
In 1986, my husband and I built a house which would be our home for the next twenty years. While the builders were hammering away, I was sewing away, trying to have all the curtains made before we moved in.

The fabric for the curtains came on five foot long cardboard tubes. For one year, those tubes were my two-year-old son's favorite toys. They served as tunnels for Matchbox cars and giant megaphones from which all sorts of important announcements were made. But his favorite thing to do with the tubes was "joust" (sword fight). Every day when Steve, my husband, came home from work, he was greeted by Steven shouting, "Let's joust, Daddy!" My husband jousted tirelessly for months.

Nine years later, in a conversation remembering the jousting days, Steven confessed, "You know, I used to have terrible nightmares about those huge cardboard tubes. I used to dream that giant "jousting rods" were chasing me all around the house trying to get me." 

Baffled, I asked him, "Why didn't you tell us about the dreams?  And why did you want to continue playing with the tubes if they gave you bad dreams?"

"I guess it was because I loved Dad so much and playing the game with him, that it was worth having the scary dreams," he answered.

Little did Steven know what a profound statement he had made. My thoughts immediately went to my heavenly Father, my love for Him, and what I was willing to endure to spend time with Him. See, I too have a jousting rod. It is called the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). I love to joust with my heavenly Daddy. This jousting does not cause me to have bad dreams, but sometimes I have to endure a house that's not as clean as I would like or a project that is in the other room screaming out to be finished. That's a nightmare to me.

In this busy world in which we live, taking time out to be with our Heavenly Father can be somewhat of a struggle. But the rewards are so great. So every morning, I grab my jousting rod, God's Word, and together we conquer foes and win battles side-by-side.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, Help me to put all my busyness aside to spend time with You each day. I pray that my love for You will supercede any other activity that I have planned on any given day. Thank You for wanting to spend time with me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Is your relationship with God something you feel that you "have" to do, or that you "get to do?"

What are you willing to put aside to spend time with God?

Where is your favorite place to have your quiet time with God each day?  Let's share our spots?  If you have a camera, take a picture and post it on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes.

More From The Girlfriends
Don't you love reading stories of God's fingerprints on the pages of everyday life!  Sharon's devotion book, Extraordinary Moments with God, is full of them!  Some stories will make you laugh.  Some stories will make you cry.  Each story will point you to God and strengthen your relationship with Him.  To learn more, 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]

June 23, 2011

Time to Surrender

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Jesus replied, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind' (Matthew 22:37, NIV).

Friend To Friend
From the moment of birth, we are taught that successful people never give up. Yet, I have discovered the paradoxical secret that true success can only be found in complete surrender.

Dr. Billy Graham tells the story of a little child who was playing with a very valuable vase. The child put his hand into the vase but could not pull it out. His father tried to free the little boy's hand, but couldn't. They were thinking of breaking the vase when the father said, "Son, let's try one more time. Open your hand and hold your fingers out really straight and then pull." The look of alarm on the boy's face surprised the dad until the little boy explained, "Oh no, Father. I can't hold my fingers like that. If I did, I would drop my penny."

Many of us are like that little boy – holding onto something that is keeping us from letting go and letting God have His way in our lives. It doesn't really matter what that something is. If it is keeping us from surrendering to God, it is our captor and we are its hostage.

Jesus longs for us to come to Him in total surrender. Not because He wants to win or prove His power, but because He longs to set us free. Matthew 22:37 goes straight to the heart of surrender and abandonment when it says, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'" Let's take a closer look at the meaning of this verse: 

"Heart" means "thought and emotion."
"Soul" means "life or whole person."
"Mind" means "understanding."

In other words, to truly experience God, we must lay down everything. Every thought and emotion, every dream and plan, every bit of human knowledge or understanding, our past, present and future – everything - just like the woman in Luke did.

Luke tells us that a certain woman came to Jesus bringing "an alabaster jar of perfume." In Jesus' day, alabaster jars were very common and of little value. It was the substance hidden inside that was so precious. The perfume was the woman's most priceless possession. It was very expensive but very necessary in her line of work as a prostitute, working the streets, selling her body in order to live. The money given to her by the men she slept with paid for the perfume she brought to Jesus. She could have put a small amount on His feet and it would have been a great financial sacrifice. But she brought it all and she gave it all. She came to God with a "yes" in her heart and a "whatever" in her soul, totally abandoning herself and all that she had to Him. "Abandon" literally means "without restraint or hindrance, a total relinquishment." This woman came to Jesus, walking through her shame, straining against every hindrance and relinquishing her old way of life. She came, ignoring the ugly whispers and judgmental stares of those who knew her so well.

Why? I believe she was simply worn out. The emptiness and sin were eating away at her soul. She was tired of being used, unloved and unwanted. She came ready to give up everything and in a desperation that is always winsome to God. He met every need of her heart and changed the course of her life.

Today, dear friend, He is calling you to that same kind of abandonment. Are you ready to exchange your life for a life far beyond your greatest hopes and dreams? Are you desperate for Him? The Father is patiently and tenderly calling you to His arms. Come and rest in Him.

Let's Pray
God, I am so tired of trying to live without You. I come today, desperately longing for You and seeking Your presence. Right now, I surrender completely to You, giving everything I know about myself to everything I know about You. Thank You for meeting me at my point of need.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

List the things in your life that keep you from fully surrendering to God.
Confess them and choose against each one.
Destroy that list as a sacrifice of complete abandonment to God.
Choose to walk in the freedom He brings.
More From The Girlfriends
I know that plans are rampant in your life. But the only plan that really matters is the one God has for you. Don't settle for anything less.

Need peace? Get Mary's NEW E-Book Bible StudyHow to Find Your Missing Peace.

Need stress relief? Check out Mary's online Bible Study, Stress Management 101beginning July 18. Enroll now and have access to all 2011 lessons.

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