Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

January 11, 2012
Are You Asking God the Wrong Question?
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
Cease striving and know that I am God, (Psalm 46:10, NASB).

Friend to Friend
Could it be that we have made our relationship with God far too difficult? We strive so hard to draw closer to the heart of God. And all the while, God's outstretched hand is reaching to draw us in. Psalm 46:10 reads, "cease striving and know that I am God" (NASB).

Cease striving.

For over a half of a century, I had been striving, pursuing, and seeking God. And like a cat chasing her tail, I had been going in circles. Circling in the wilderness with the Israelites, if you will. Saved from slavery, for sure. Headed to my own personal Promised Land, hopefully. But somehow stuck in the wilderness wandering, ever circling but not quite reaching Jordan's shore.

And I am not alone. Statistics show that one of the top desires of Christians is to grow closer to God. During a recent poll, sixty-five percent said they were declining or on a plateau in their spiritual growth. On the other hand, Peter wrote: "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3). We have everything we need to experience the ever growing, continually maturing, abundant life, so why aren't we? Why are most of us languishing on the desert plateaus of mediocrity and complacency? Why are most of us satisfied munching on the predigested truths of teachers rather than pulling up to the banquet table and feasting with God at a table set for two?

"God, what do you really want from me?"

I've pondered that question since the genesis of my relationship with Christ. Perhaps you have too. When you boil down all the water from the diluted soup of questions men and women have simmered in their heart through the centuries, this is the one question left in the pot. And somehow, we feel that if we could answer that one question, we would discover why that glory ache persists and how to satisfy our yearning.

I had asked the question a thousand times, but one frosty January morning, I got quiet enough to listen. And then, in the stillness, He showed me that I and my busy sisters have been asking the wrong question.

Rather than ask God what He wants from us, we need to ask Him what He wants for us.

I meditated on Acts 17:28 throughout the following year after the day God whetted my appetite with the possibilities wrapped up in those eight little words. I came to realize that what He wants for us is to sense His presence, experience His love, and delight in intimate relationship as we live and move and have our being in sacred union with Him. And when we do, He opens our eyes to His glory all around and the ache for something more is soothed.

Let's Pray
God, what do you want for me today? Open my eyes to see and ears to hear. Show me glimpses of Your presence as I live and move and have my being in you. And help me not to miss it!
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Have you ever asked God what He wants from you?

Have you ever asked God what he wants for you?

Now, I want you to do just that.  Ask God what He wants for you and then pay attention.

At day's end, tell me what you learned. What did He show you? Let's chat at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes.

More from the Girlfriends
Do you need a tune-up when it comes to tuning-in to God? Do you want to know how to hear that still small voice? If so, check out Sharon's book, Becoming a Woman who Listens to Godand sharpen your spiritual listening skills! And don't forget to check out our new Girlfriends in God devotion book, Trusting God.

[Judy Harder]

January 12, 2012
Coming Out of the Dark Part 2
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Isaiah 45:3 "I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name."

Friend to Friend
Children are wonderfully different. When our son, Jered, was nine months old, he began to pull up on every piece of furniture he could find. For weeks, he maneuvered his way around our home until the day he took his first step alone. It was a step of inches, but we celebrated as if he had completed a marathon. On the other hand, our daughter, Danna, had a different plan. She never pulled up on a piece of furniture and never took "a" step. When she was ten months old, Danna stood up, looked around and trotted across the room. Jered and Danna both walk extremely well today as young adults, but they both began with tiny steps and in their own way.

Nobody gets depressed overnight and nobody overcomes depression overnight. The journey out of the pit is a process of steps uniquely planned by your Father. Let's look at some of the steps we must take in order to find our way out of the dark.

1.  Wait.  The psalmist simply says,"I waited." Waiting is not passive. Waiting is a time of preparation, a time of rest and healing, a time when God covers us with the shadow of His wing.

To wait means to accept the pit.
Isaiah 45:3 is a compelling verse, "I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name."

Any time the word, "LORD" is capitalized, it means "Father" or "Dearest Daddy." This verse indicates that our Father has gone before us and, in every dark moment or painful circumstance, has buried a treasure or stored a secret. The only way we can find the treasure or learn the secret is to pass through that darkness. Some things cannot be learned in the light. The pit of depression has become a hedge of protection in my life, a warning light that something is wrong or out of balance. To wait means to accept the pit, knowing it is for our good.

To wait means to admit there is a problem.  Isaiah 40:29 "He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak."     
We must be willing to admit we are struggling, but pride often prevents us from doing so. Emotional health begins at the point of emotional integrity, being willing to say "I need help!" and being honest with ourselves and with others. When clinical depression first overwhelmed my life, my husband, Dan, was the pastor of a large, fast-growing church in South Florida. We could choose to be transparent and real or we could sweep my struggle under the rug. We concluded that to be right, we had to be real. Dan and I shared my battle with the staff, the deacons and then with the entire church.  Yes, we took a risk but learned an important lesson in doing so. A shared load is a lighter load because we were created to need each other.

To wait means to be still. "I waited." To wait means to hope in and look for someone or something who will rescue us.

So much about God can never be known on the run. We can get so wrapped up in everyday life that we fail to be wrapped up in Him. The busier we are, the more stillness and rest we need. During those two years in the pit, I not only gave up every role of leadership in church, I could not even attend church at times because of panic attacks. The Father taught me an important truth. He is more concerned with who I am than what I do.

2. Cry out for help.  Psalm 40:1 "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry."

People struggling with depression often look for help in the wrong places. Let me share with you some of the rightplaces.

God. Your Fatherstands waiting to hear your voice; and when you cry out to Him, He comes running – through His Word, through prayer and through His people. There was a terrible storm and the little girl was afraid. When she cried out in fear, her father came running down the hall, into the bedroom and scooped her up in his arms as he said, "Honey, God will take care of you." The tearful child replied, "I know God loves me and will take care of me but right now, I need somebody with skin on." If you cry out to God, He will come to you in some way.
Doctors and counselors. Proverbs 15:22 gives us an important truth when it says, "Plans go wrong with too few counselors; many counselors bring success." I encourage anyone experiencing depression to get a physical because depression is often rooted in a physical problem, requiring medication. The medication does not eliminate the depression but simply levels the playing field so whatever is triggering the depression can be addressed. Christian counselors are a gift from God. He knew we would need them.
Others. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 instructs us to "encourage each other and give each other strength." I would never have survived the pit of clinical depression without the help and encouragement of family and friends. Members of our church brought meals, cleaned house and helped take care of our kids.  The deacons were guardian angels at church and other women took my place in leadership. I would still be in that pit if it were not for these people who helped rescue me. Has it affected their opinion of me? Yes! It has shown them that I am just like them and has given them permission to face their own weaknesses. You may be thinking, "I have no one in my life that will help me." If you cry out to God, He will bring you help.
3.  Count on God to come through.  One of the promises I clung to while sitting in the darkness of depression was Psalm 107:13-14. "Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains." The Psalmist promises that when you cry out to God, He will:

·          "lift you up out of the slimy pit"
·          "set your feet on a rock"
·          "give you a new place to stand"
·          "put a new song in your heart"
·          "use your pit so that others will "see and trust God".

God is drawn to broken people. Psalm 40:1 says "He turned to me." Notice it does not say David turned to God. Honestly, I doubt David had the strength to turn to God – so God turned to him. God heard the cry of David, and He will hear yours. I was angry at God but He never turned away from me. Instead, He surrounded me with His love and compassion and as Psalm 56:8 promises, He knew every tear I cried. "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book."  You can count on God to come through.

4.  Be patient. "I waited patiently for the Lord." The word "patiently" means "without tiring and with perseverance." To come out of the darkness takes time and requires patience. It took me many years to hit rock bottom. It took me two years to climb out of that pit and I am still climbing. Yes, I still battle depression from time to time. I have asked God to deliver me, but He has said "no." Do you know what my name, Mary, means -- bitter, but when broken, sweet. Depression keeps me broken and anything that makes me cry out to God can be counted as a blessing. When we come to the end of ourselves, God begins.   

The story is told of a little boy who was walking home when he spotted a caterpillar struggling to get out of its cocoon. Feeling sorry for the helpless creature, the little boy ran home, grabbed a pair of scissors and ran back to cut the caterpillar free. He watched it spread its wings and try to fly, only to discover that it couldn't. It is in the struggle out of the darkness of the cocoon that the butterfly's wings gain enough strength to fly. Be patient.  I don't know if you are in a pit and need help or if someone you love is in that pit and you need to help them. One thing I do know is that the purpose of the pit is to purify then restore. Right now, surrender the broken pieces of your life to God and watch as he brings you out of the dark. Do not quit!  Do not give up! God is at work in your life.

Philippians 1:6 "And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns."

Let's Pray
Father God, my heart is filled with chaos and confusion. I feel as if I am drowning in my circumstances, my heart filled with fear and confusion. I need the strength and peace that only You can give. Right now, I choose to rest in You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Philippians 4:7 (NIV) "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Make a list of the dark places in your life today. Surrender each one to God. Ask Him to bring light into your heart and mind and help you walk in His peace. Now, walk in that peace today. When the waves of darkness come, remember each one now belongs to your Father.

More from the Girlfriends
Can you believe 2012 is here, like a clean slate filled with new beginnings and fresh starts? However, what did we learn in 2011 that will make a difference in 2012? As the holiday season winds down, I pray your heart and mind will look ahead to all that this year holds. Guard your heart and mind against darkness. Stand firm in God's power and presence. He is faithful and He is sufficient for whatever tomorrow brings.

Need help getting the Word of God into your life? Check out Mary's Weekly Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey to learn how to face, deal with and surrender your fears to God. This new study, When I Am Afraid, begins January 16.

And be sure to get your copy of our new 12-week devotion book, Trusting God.

Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
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Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com

[Judy Harder]

January 13, 2012
The Worship of Giving
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
Act 4:32 (NIV) All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.

Friend To Friend
"What's yours is mine, and what's mine is mine." My husband Brad and I used to joke that this was the unspoken motto of our kids when they were little. Toddlers have no qualms about grabbing a toy, snack, or any random item of interest from other people or pets. It's rare to see a child share her cherished possessions generously.

It can be hard for you and me to share too. Today's media bombards us with marketing campaigns that tell us we are the center of the universe. "You, you, you, you, you!" Time and time again we hear that this life is all about us. The more we have, the happier we'll be. The bigger that bank account, the more blessed the life. I sincerely hope that none of us actually buy these lies. They're dangerous deceptions.

We all have a sharing problem to some degree, don't we? Sometimes we don't want to share our time or our space. Sometimes we don't want to share our loved ones or our gifts. Sometimes we don't want to share our resources. Sometimes we just want to be left to ourselves and don't want to share anything!

God calls each of us to share. The early New Testament church shows us that generous living honors God and blesses others. In Acts 4:32-37; we see an amazing snapshot of generous giving in the early church. The believers were one in heart and mind. They were supernaturally unified to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and you could not find a needy person among them. What a model!

Giving wasn't political. It wasn't mandatory. It wasn't done begrudgingly.

"...They shared everything they had."(Acts 4:32)

"The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul."(Acts 11:29-30)

"But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving...For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have." (I Corinthians 8:7,12)

The resources of the believers were God's, and they knew it. They placed what they had before the leaders in selfless acts of worship...for the glory of God and the provision of others. This principle is very important, but it's also very counter-cultural.

The Bible clearly reveals that true life, a blessed life, an abundant life, a purposed life, is, in fact, all about God. What we have, have given birth to, or hold onto is really not our own.  It's just on loan to us for a breath of a moment by our more-than-generous Creator. Each day brings us new opportunities to be good stewards.

Let's face it; it's just not always easy or natural to be generous. Perhaps we have been taken advantage of or we've been hurt by another's deception. There are risks to giving.

The generous giving of the early church blessed the lives of their people. When we share what we have, God is honored and needs are met. The risks are worth taking.

I'm not suggesting a Robin Hood philosophy of "take from the rich and give to the poor." And I don't believe in the politics of communism or socialism. This principle of generous giving is Biblical. It's an act of worship to God. It matters to God, and it should matter to us.

We need to reject the toddler mentality of "what's mine is mine." God loves a cheerful giver. We are blessed to give. Tell God today: "Lord, what's mine is Yours. Use it for Your glory!"

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, thank You for this reminder from Your Word. You are amazingly lavish in Your love for me, and You have given me so much. All I have is Yours. Please help me to excel in the grace and worship of giving. Open my eyes to opportunities to bless others for Your glory.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
How do you feel about your possessions?

Have you shared generously lately?

Is God bringing anyone to your mind that could use your help or generosity?

Read and meditate on 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

More from the Girlfriends
Hey friend. I know that this is a sensitive subject to some of you. Maybe your husband won't tithe. Perhaps you don't even know how you will pay your rent this month. God knows your heart. He loves you greatly. Remember, giving isn't always about money. We can give in many ways; service, an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a dinner to a new mom, or time spent with an elderly friend. Now...go bless someone today!!

Gwen Smith is the author of Broken into Beautifuland a co-author of Trusting God, A Girlfriends in God Faith Adventure. Connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusicand Tweet with her at www.twitter.com/GwenSmithMusic.

[Judy Harder]

January 16, 2012
God's Glory Revealed to you and Through You
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth - everyone who is called by my name whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made,(Isaiah 43:7, NIV).

Friend to Friend
Have you ever wondered why you were created? You were created for God's glory and to glorify God, (Isaiah 43:7) because it pleased Him to do so (Ephesians 1:5). The concept of glory can be a difficult concept to wrap our human minds around. It seems so otherworldly. We can catch glimpses of its meaning throughout Scripture, but then like a shooting star that appears for a just a moment, it quickly slips away into the vast expanse of God's infinite wisdom. But let's see what we can know about this bigger-than-life word.

In the Old Testament, the most common Hebrew word for glory is kabod meaning "weight, honor, esteem." The Bible associates God's glory with how He manifests Himself or makes His presence known. Some theologians refer to these as theophanies. He made His presence known in a devouring fire (Exodus 24:16-17), a moving cloud (Exodus 13:21) and a still small voice (Exodus 33:18). His glory is reflected in creation (Psalm 19:1) and in His sovereign control of history (Acts 17:26). His glory is made known through the life of simple human beings like you and me.

The same concept of God's glory is in the New Testament in the Greek word, doxa, which meansglory, honor and splendor.(William D. Munce, General Editor , Munce's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006, 290). John wrote, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). After Jesus' first miracle, turning the water into wine, John wrote: "This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him" (John 2:11). In Hebrews 1:3, the writer reveals this about Jesus: "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word" (Hebrews 1:3).

The verb form of glory, to glorify, is doxazo, and primarily denotes "to magnify, extol, praise, to ascribe honor to God, acknowledging Him as to His being, attributes and acts, i.e., His glory. It is the revelation and manifestation of all that He has and is. When we glorify God, we are giving a display or manifestation—or a reflection—of His character. To magnify God is to make Him easy to see. Jesus said that the disciples would glorify God when they bore fruit (John 15:. Through their actions, they would point others to God and make Him easy to see.

God's glory is how He makes Himself known. It is almost incomprehensible to think that He would choose mere human beings to accomplish such a task. But as Scripture tells us, we were created in His image (Genesis 1:26) and as a display of His glory (Isaiah 43:7). You were created to make God recognizable to others—to show others what God is like. He makes Himself recognizable to us and through us. The glory of any created thing is when it is fully fulfilling the purpose for which it was created...and that includes you and me.

Glory. It's a big word—a weighty word.

Today, look for ways that God makes Himself known to you and through you.

Let's Pray
Lord, I pray that I will glorify You today.  I pray that my actions and words will make You easier to see. I pray that You will open my eyes to see Your glory as I live and move and have my being in You today.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Look up all the verses mentioned in today's devotion and write down what you learn about the word glory.

If someone were to ask you to define "glory," what would say?

What are some ways that you can glorify God today? Let's share our answers at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes.

More from the Girlfriends
One way that we glorify God is in the words we speak. If you would like to learn more about how to control your tongue and use your words to speak life to those around you, then check out Sharon's book, The Power of a Woman's Words. On her website you can watch a video and download a free chapter of this life-changing book. It also has a Bible study guide and DVD for group or individual study.

[Judy Harder]

January 17, 2012
The Power of Forgiveness Part 1
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
The LORD said to me again, 'Go, show your love to a woman loved by someone else, who has been unfaithful to you. In the same way the LORD loves the people of Israel, even though they worship other gods and love to eat the raisin cakes.' So I bought her for six ounces of silver and ten bushels of barley. Then I told her, 'You must wait for me for many days. You must not be a prostitute, and you must not have sexual relations with any other man. I will act the same way toward you.' In the same way Israel will live many days without a king or leader, without sacrifices or holy stone pillars, and without the holy vest or an idol. After this, the people of Israel will return to the LORD their God and follow him and the king from David's family. In the last days, they will turn in fear to the LORD, and he will bless them (Hosea 3:1-5, NCV).

Friend to Friend
True love is strong, unconditional – God's love – a love that we cannot understand or explain in human terms. The life of the Old Testament prophet, Hosea, powerfully illustrates this kind of love. Hosea was married to Gomer and together they had three children. Gomer was unfaithful to Hosea, betraying the covenant of marriage. Hosea had every right to walk away, but love that never fails calls us up to higher choices that are beyond human reasoning. Supernatural choices demand supernatural action and sacrifice.

Hosea 3:2 "So I bought her for six ounces of silver and ten bushels of barley" (NCV).

Think about it. Hosea was the one who had been wronged and humiliated. Yes, he was the one following God but he was also the one called to sacrifice. We misunderstand the full meaning of sacrifice, thinking it is only a decision to "give up" self-centered rights, hoarded resources or the freedom to walk away. Sacrifice is a mirror reflecting our own pride and sin, calling us to lay down all sense of human justice or fairness in order for God to work in and through us to love others. What sacrifices did God call Hosea to make?

·         Hosea had to sacrifice his pride.

The phrase "loved by another," suggests Gomer was owned by a family friend or fellow citizen.  She may have been sleeping with one or more of Hosea's friends or, at the very least, one of his neighbors. Hosea had to swallow his pride and go to her in love and forgiveness. Now let me just tell you that if I had been the one going to find Gomer, I would have been more likely to snatch her up by the hair and drag her home in front of as many people as possible to prove she could not get away with what she was doing. Better yet, I would have said, "Good riddance. You can keep her!" I am certain I could find many who would agree with my plan of punishment and revenge. It seems to me that Hosea stood to gain very little but lose a great deal by choosing to respond as he did. Hosea was called on to sacrifice everything to redeem a woman who did not deserve sacrifice or redemption. Jesus did the same thing for us when He died on the cross. He now calls us to respond with that same God-like heart attitude of redemption.

·         Hosea had to sacrifice his rights.

Gomer broke the covenant of marriage. Don't miss this pivotal truth. Biblically, Hosea had every justification to divorce Gomer. He could have tossed her out and turned her children against her, stripping her life of every good thing. Hosea could have destroyed Gomer, and no one would have blamed him. Instead, Hosea rose to a higher place when he laid down his anger, hurt and the right to retaliate or seek revenge. It doesn't stop there.

Hosea took the initiative and went to her. Matthew describes a forgiveness we find hard to understand. "So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there beside the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God" (Matthew 5:23, NLT). Notice what this verse says. If we know someone has something against us and we refuse to deal with it, nothing we do or say will count in Kingdom work. God always seeks restoration and reconciliation and commands us to look past what seems like a logical reaction to the highest obedience we can offer.

There is one more very important step in learning to truly forgive. Don't miss the rest of Hosea and Gomer's story in Thursday's devotion.

Let's Pray
Father, I am so tired of holding on to the pain in my life. I want to forgive those who have hurt me and learn how to let go of the pain and walk on. Today, I lay down my pride and my rights. I will not seek revenge or retaliation. Instead, I choose to love my enemies and bless those who have harmed me. Please give me the strength and power to honor you as I step out in obedience.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read and meditate on the following verses:

Matthew 5:23-24 (NLT) "So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you ... leave your sacrifice there beside the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God."

Make a list of the sins in your life that need the forgiveness of God. Ask God to forgive you for each one. If you have sinned against someone else, be willing to take the first step of reconciliation. If someone has sinned against you, forgive them and go to them in love, seeking restoration. Consider the following questions and answer them honestly.

What are the rewards of forgiveness?
What are the barriers to forgiveness in my heart?
What are the things for which I cannot forgive myself?
What does that indicate about my understanding of true forgiveness?

More from the Girlfriends
Be sure to check out the FREE MP3son Mary's website.

Need help with forgiving those who have hurt you? Mary's E-Bible Study, The Power of Forgivenessoffers practical steps you can take to truly forgive.   

Need help getting the Word of God into your life?Check out Mary's Weekly Online Bible Study, When I Am Afraid, to learn how to face, deal with and surrender your fears to God.

[Judy Harder]

              January 18, 2012
The Power of Forgiveness Part 2
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
The LORD said to me again, 'Go, show your love to a woman loved by someone else, who has been unfaithful to you. In the same way the LORD loves the people of Israel, even though they worship other gods and love to eat the raisin cakes.' So I bought her for six ounces of silver and ten bushels of barley. Then I told her, 'You must wait for me for many days. You must not be a prostitute, and you must not have sexual relations with any other man. I will act the same way toward you.' In the same way Israel will live many days without a king or leader, without sacrifices or holy stone pillars, and without the holy vest or an idol. After this, the people of Israel will return to the LORD their God and follow him and the king from David's family. In the last days, they will turn in fear to the LORD, and he will bless them (Hosea 3:1-5, NCV).

Friend to Friend
True forgiveness always requires sacrifice on our part – a truth that may often seem unfair in human terms. After all, we are the ones who have been hurt. Why should we have to sacrifice anything? Shouldn't the people who hurt us be the ones who have to make the first move and offer the biggest sacrifice? True forgiveness – God's forgiveness – defies human logic and cannot be explained in human terms. Human forgiveness is easier but a shallow substitute and cheap imitation for the amazing power of God's forgiveness.

Hosea was married to a woman who hurt and humiliated him. Scripture does not say Gomer ever repented and asked for Hosea's forgiveness. But that did not stop Hosea from forgiving her. In fact, Hosea sacrificed his pride and his human rights in order to forgive Gomer. Hosea's forgiveness also required a financial sacrifice.

·         Hosea had to sacrifice materially.

Hosea had to buy back his own wife. Seriously? Gomer was damaged goods and she definitely was not on sale. The price was substantial. Six ounces of silver and ten bushels of barley was the going price of a slave and since prophets are definitely not in the top income bracket, the payment was a great financial sacrifice for Hosea. Gomer's own sin had placed her in bondage. Even so, Hosea was willing to make a financial sacrifice in order to fulfill his commitment in marriage. Love that never gives up is willing to pay a price, to sacrifice so people in bondage can be set free.

Mother Teresa said, "Love, to be real must cost. It must hurt. It must empty us of self!" The words of King David reveal the essence of love and forgiveness. "No, I must pay the full price. I won't give an offering that costs me nothing" (1 Chronicles 21:24, ICB).

Hosea could have played it safe. Nowhere in Scripture does it suggest Gomer wanted his forgiveness, and Hosea had no guarantee she would not do the very same thing again. He took a huge risk in bringing Gomer home. What passes for true love is often little more than a convenient emotional arrangement. Someone is kind to us so we are kind in return. Someone treats us badly, so we don't get mad, we get even. Sound fair? Seem reasonable? Yes, but only in human terms. Love that never fails goes beyond reason and refuses to settle for justice alone but insists on granting mercy.

I love the story of a doctor who told the little boy that he could save his sister's life by giving her some of his blood. "Johnny, are you sure you want to give your blood for Mary?" the doctor asked. The boy hesitated for several moments; his lips trembled as tears filled his eyes. His parents and the doctor assured Johnny that the procedure would not be very painful and would be over with quickly. Finally, he smiled bravely and said, "Sure Doc. I'll give my blood for my sister." As the transfusion took place, the little girl began to respond immediately. Parents, doctors and nurses erupted into cheers and applause. When the ordeal was almost over, Johnny's brave little voice was heard, "Hey, Doc, when do I die?" A stunned silence fell across the room. The doctor and parents suddenly realized what Johnny was thinking. Johnny thought when he gave his blood to his sister, he would die – a very high price he was willing to pay.

Love that never fails is willing to pay a great price and make a great sacrifice. Love that never fails is yours to receive and yours to give.

Let's Pray
Father, I come to You today, asking first for Your forgiveness for the sin in my life. I choose to turn from that sin and obey you. Thank You for your grace and mercy. Give me the strength and power to extend that same mercy and grace to those in my life who have hurt me.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What hurt or pain are your holding in your heart and life? Realize it is holding you prisoner and make the choice to let it go today. Forgive the person who hurt you. Forgiveness is a choice that leads to a step of obedience. Forgiveness is not an emotion or feeling. If you make the choice to forgive, God will supply the forgiveness.

Read the whole story of Hosea and Gomer found in the book of Hosea. First put yourself in the place of Gomer. How do you think she reacted to Hosea's decision to forgive her and bring her home? Then put yourself in the place of Hosea. Think about the thoughts and feelings running through Hosea's heart and mind. Record your thoughts and insights in your journal.

What one person do you need to forgive right now? Pray for that person. Ask God to let you see them through His eyes and make the deliberate choice to forgive them.

More from the Girlfriends
Be sure to check out the FREE MP3son Mary's website.

Need help with forgiving those who have hurt you? Mary's E-Bible Study, The Power of Forgivenessoffers practical steps you can take to truly forgive.   

Need help getting the Word of God into your life?Check out Mary's Weekly Online Bible Study, When I Am Afraid, to learn how to face, deal with and surrender your fears to God.

Are you ready to begin a new faith adventure?Get a copy of our new book, Trusting God.

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


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

[Judy Harder]

January 19, 2012
God Called Out
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
But the Lord God called to the man, "Where are you?" (Genesis 3:9 NIV)

Friend to Friend
Eden was full of God's glory—breathtaking beauty with unbroken union and constant communion with God. But as we know, something went terribly wrong, and Adam and Eve found themselves naked and ashamed. And what was the first thing they did when that happened?

They hid.

They hid from God.

"Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?" (Genesis 3:9). God called out.

God.

Called.

Out.

"Where are you?" God asked. It was the very first question in the Bible, and it was asked by an all-knowing God. He still asks that very question today. Perhaps you've heard it as well. I have.

The real tragedy of Adam and Eve's disobedience was that union between God and man was broken. Shattered. Destroyed. But as soon as Eve sank her teeth into the forbidden fruit, the shadow of the cross rose on the horizon, and God's redemptive plan to restore all that we had lost was set in motion. All through the rest of the Old Testament, from Genesis 3:9 to Malachi 4:6, we read of God calling humanity back to Himself.

We read of cycles of humanity's fellowship with God, followed by humanity's rebellion against God, followed by God's wooing humanity back in the midst of difficult circumstances, followed by humanity's repentance, followed by humanity's fellowship with God, followed by humanity's rebellion against God, followed by God's wooing humanity back in the midst of difficult situations, followed by humanity's repentance, followed by humanity's fellowship with God, followed by....

And all along God continues His passionate pursuit of the human heart as He relentlessly romances us, His image bearers, and calls out to us first one way, then another.

Interestingly, the Hebrew word for Bible is mikra, and it means the calling out of God. Isn't that what the Bible really is? The calling out of God to draw mankind back to Himself. To restore our original glory through the finished work of Jesus Christ? He begins with calling out that very first question: "Where are you?" He ends it the same. "I stand at the door and knock," (Revelation 3:20).

The Bible tells us, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). There is not one of us who is completely and perfectly living the life that God had intended in the Garden. But the good news is that Christ in us is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:24-27). It is through that union that glory moments occur. Without Christ in us, we are not even able to detect or reflect God's glory at all.  And yet, that was God's original intent for us "in the beginning."

Most people would agree that we are born with an inherent inner nagging that there has to be something more than what we see. Solomon wrote: "He has also set eternity in the hearts of men" (Ecclesiastes 3:11). No matter how humanity has tried to satisfy the hunger, quench the thirst, or mask the reality of God's existence, eternity still pulls at the heart. A longing to experience God persists. The glory ache is a chronic throb.

But here is the good news! Aren't you ready for some good news? This is not our final home! We are merely passing through this thing called life. Until those who know Christ leave this earth and enter God's glory once and for all, until we inhale eternity, He gives us glimpses of glory right here on earth! Moments of sudden glory abound, if we will but take the time to recognize them, to embrace them, to enjoy them ... to taste and see that the Lord is good!

Let's Pray
Here I am, Lord. I'm right here in Your presence. Thank You for not leaving me hiding in shame, but called me out of hiding to join You in a relationship.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Have you ever felt like you were hiding from God?

Have you ever felt that He was calling out to you?

God still calls out. Jesus still knocks. Look for Him. Listen for Him.

I'd love to hear how God showed Himself to you today!  Let's share at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes.

More from the Girlfriends
Do you need a tune-up when it comes to tuning in to God? Do you want to know how to hear that still small voice? If so, check out Sharon's book, Becoming a Woman who Listens to Godand sharpen your spiritual listening skills! And don't forget to check out our new Girlfriends in God devotion book, Trusting God.

[Judy Harder]

January 20, 2012
What Really Matters
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33, NIV).

Friend To Friend
Far too often I seek God's blessings instead of seeking God. I seek His hand instead of His heart. Like a child with a long Christmas list, at times I run to my heavenly Father as if He's a celestial Wal-Mart purposed to satisfy my every want. Instead of leaning in to hear the whispered will of the Lord, I selfishly shout my will. My desires. My demands. I'd rather have relief from life-pressures than gain the strength to endure them and the lessons I'm intended to learn from them. When I'm desperate to fill my over-sized heart-cart with things that I think I need, I rob myself of what really matters: the pursuit of God and the blessings found in Him alone.

Why do we desire God's intervention in our lives more than His presence? Why do we think that we know what we need? It's so arrogant of us to tell God how to be God. Isn't that what we do when we stomp our feet before His throne and whine about all of the things that need fixing instead of praising Him for the strength He graciously gives us to endure? While we're certainly encouraged by Scripture to make our requests known to the Father (Philippians 4:6), the highest calling on our lives is to love God with all of our hearts, souls, bodies and minds (Matthew 22:37). What really matters is seeking God first.

God knew we would struggle with this truth. His Word promises that when we chase His heart, we can relax. Our needs will be met because He loves us.

"And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

"So don't worry about these things, saying, 'what will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today" (Matthew 6:30-34, NLT).

The Message version of the Bible says it like this:

"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, and God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes" (Matthew 6:30-34, MSG).

Set your list of wants aside today and seek God. Go before Him with a heart of worship and adoration. Get lost in His presence. Remember His mercy. Relish His grace. Love Him. Seek Him. Put first things first.

God loves us so much. His plan is perfect and His ways are mysterious. He knows our needs and He knows our desires. When we remember what really matters we can rest in the knowledge that He's working on our behalf, and in our best interest, to bring glory to Himself through our lives.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, You are all I need. Please forgive me for the times when I seek Your blessings before I seek Your heart. Help me to trust Your plan and rest in Your grace.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
How has God met your needs in the past? Do you trust that He is able to meet them today?

He's not just concerned with your needs – God also cares about your heart matters. Read, meditate on and memorize this verse: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4, ESV).

More From The Girlfriends
Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29). Please know that today's devotion is not suggesting that we shouldn't go to God with our burdens. We must! But God wants your love before your list.

God delights to heal and transform lives ... including your own.  In her book, Broken Into Beautiful, Gwen Smith invites you to experience how the unconditional love of Jesus can change your life and bring strength and healing to your heart.  He can transform your life into something beautiful. To order the book, go to Amazonor, for a signed copy, order from Gwen's website: www.gwensmith.net.

Start your new year off right!Sharon, Gwen and Mary's new 12-week devotion book, Trusting God,is now available. This is the perfect book for individual study or for gathering a group of friends in what we call GiG Groups. With impactful devotions, study questions, journal pages, free on-line video intros, and an index of trust-building Scriptures...this book is a resource you'll refer to time-and-time again.

Connect with Gwen on Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic.

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


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





 
             
   

[Judy Harder]

January 23, 2012
Pursued
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
My lover spoke and said to me, "Arise my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me" (Song of Songs 2:10, NIV)

Friend to Friend
I was in college when I first eyed my husband. He was sitting on the floor at a friend's Bible study gathering with his back against the wall, dressed in scruffy jeans and a red flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled halfway up his muscular forearms. His thick brown hair and chocolate-brown eyes left me weak in the knees. And the best part was that this handsome hunk of a man had a tattered Bible in his lap. He laughed easily, prayed humbly, and read intently. I was smitten from the first time I laid eyes on Steve.

After a few weeks, he finally asked me out on a date. We continued seeing each other over the next several weeks, but I was still accepting invitations from others as well. One night, Steve asked me to a college football game, and I agreed to go. Then he said, "Can I just ask you? Will you go with me to all of the football games for the rest of the year?"

"I'm not going to answer that question," I replied. "You'll just have to ask me each week."

Looking back on those early days, what I was really saying was that I wanted to be pursued. None of this blanket invitation for the entire fall business. I wanted to be wooed and won. Even though he had me the moment I saw him sitting on the shag carpet floor, I didn't want him to know that. I wanted him to show me I was worth putting forth the effort to capture my heart. Isn't that the desire of every woman's heart?

And nobody does it better than God.

I love what Simon Tugwell once said: "So long as we imagine it is we who have to look for God, we must often lose heart.  But it is the other way about. He is looking for us."

Oh friend, God has pursued and continues to pursue you every day. A sunset. A dandelion growing through a crack in a concrete sidewalk. A favorite song on the radio. He is pursuing you like a love-struck beau. Pay attention and enjoy His advances as He pursues you today.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I swoon thinking of how you pursue me. Me, one so unworthy of Your advances. Help me to recognize Your love notes throughout the day. I am my beloved's and He is mine.
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Today, consider reading the story of the Samaritan woman that Jesus met at the well (John 4:1-26, 39-42).  Look at the great lengths he went to to pursue her heart.

Remember, this was a time in history when men did not speak to women in public. Jews did not enter Samaria. Women were not allowed to study under a rabbi's teaching. And here's another tidbit. This was the first person that Jesus told that He was the Messiah.

After you read her story, tell me what strikes you about the lengths Jesus went to to pursue her heart.  www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes.

More from the Girlfriends
We tend to read the gospels with our twenty-first century eyes. But when we understand how oppressive the culture Jesus stepped into was against women, we begin to understand just how radical Jesus' ministry, messages, and miracles were at setting women free. He risked His reputation to save theirs...and yours. Sharon's book, What God Really Thinks about Women: Finding Your Significance through the Women Jesus Encounteredis an insightful look at every encounter Jesus had with women while here on earth. To order this life-changing book, download a free sample chapter, or watch a video, visit www.sharonjaynes.com.  You'll fall in love with Jesus all over again.

[Judy Harder]

January 24, 2012
To Know Him More
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better (Ephesians 1:17, NIV).

Friend to Friend
It was Christmas Eve and I had a final errand to run. One of the gifts I ordered for our grandson still had not arrived. I ordered it several weeks earlier and patted myself on the back for the great deal I had gotten, but in all the delightful Christmas chaos, I had forgotten all about it until Christmas Eve when I made the final inspection of my Christmas list and stash of gifts for the kids and grandkids.

The Customer Service manager at the department store from which I ordered the gift had no idea where the gift was or what had happened to it but offered to trace it. I laughed. Trace it? He was obviously unaware that looking for a missing gift on Christmas Eve was not an option! I pressed on. After several frustrating and fruitless phone calls, I cancelled the order and decided to take matters into my own hands. I would simply go to the store and buy another gift for my grandson, Justus.

Justus is only two years old and would not really know the difference, but his Mimi would. For months, I had carefully researched and planned the number of gifts each grandchild would receive and could not bear the thought that Justus would have one less gift under the tree than the other two grandchildren. By the way, those other two grandchildren are four years old. I know. They wouldn't know the difference either, but again, Mimi would.

Did I have time to go to the mall? No! Did I want to go to the mall? Absolutely not! A root canal sounded more appealing at that precise moment. I still had cooking and baking to do, a few last minute gifts to wrap, a Christmas Eve service to attend and ... well, you get the idea. Ho! Ho! Ho! Help!

I quickly dressed, grabbed my coat and purse and raced down the stairs. My husband was sitting on the couch, eating a snack and having a little down time before heading to church to preach the final four Christmas Eve services of the week. He looked up in surprise and said, "Where are you going? I thought you had a lot to do this afternoon!" Couldn't he tell I was in a hurry and did not have time to answer his question or any question for that matter?

Sidebar: When I switch into my well-known and so very ridiculous "overdrive" mode, rational thinking flees and the results are nearly always ugly and disastrous. Today would be no exception.

I simply did not have time to explain the situation to my husband. After all, it would take a sixty whole seconds I could not spare. As I raced down the stairs, anger and frustration filled my heart and mind ... and I fell. I fell spiritually when I said, "I do not have time to explain the situation to you. I just have to run an errand. Okay?" And I fell physically when I stumbled, missed the bottom three stairs and landed on the floor at the bottom of the stairs. My sweet husband immediately jumped off the couch and was standing over me with a look of concern on his face. "Are you hurt?" he asked, practically carrying me to the couch. A quick exam left us with the conclusion that I would probably be sore for a few days and have a few bruises. I also had a severely sprained ankle. Did that stop me from going to the toy store? Oh, no. Not this Superwoman.

I mentally donned my Superwoman cape, swallowed a couple of aspirin and limped my way to the store and back, the cherished Christmas gift in hand. I then wrapped the gift, crammed my sprained ankle into a boot and hobbled to the Christmas Eve service at church. Still and quiet for the first time that day, the worship music carried me back to that night when Christ was born. Oh, what a night it must have been! As I finally and truly celebrated the birth of my King, the Holy Spirit whispered, "Be still and know that He is God." That truth should be the foundation for everyday life – not just for the Christmas holidays.

January is often referred to as the "blue" month. The blahs attack and a strange sense of discontentment fills our hearts and minds. A local radio host recently explained that since the holidays are over, there is a void or a vacuum left that causes those blues. I agree with part of that assessment. Something is definitely missing but I don't think it has as much to do with the Christmas holidays as with the way we live the rest of the year.

Christmas is not a season.
Christmas is not a date on the calendar.
Christmas is a way of life.

Every day should find us still and quiet before the manger as we celebrate the birth, life, death and resurrection of our coming Lord and King, Jesus Christ. We need to learn how to seek Him and pray continually about everything. If it is important to us, it is important to Him. It is time for us to focus on how we can serve instead of being so concerned about being served. We need to keep our gaze on Him and our glance on the circumstances that so often cause us to stumble and fall because we have forgotten what is really important – to nourish and cultivate our relationship with Jesus Christ. Our heart desire should center around becoming more like Him and serving others as He did during His time on earth.

My one resolution for 2012 is a simple one. I want to know Him more. I want others to wonder why I am so joyful when there doesn't seem to be one logical reason why I should be. I want to trust God as never before and choose to step out in faith with no visible safety net below. I want to pray with shameless audacity, knowing God absolutely loves it when I do! Join me in a new faith adventure of trusting God.

Let's Pray
Father, please forgive me for allowing anything or anyone to occupy first place in my life. I am tired of rushing through each day in an effort to prove my worth by what I do or whom I please. I want to live each day for You, an audience of One. Use me, Lord, to impact the lives of my family and friends. Help me learn how to see the needs of those around me and give me a holy discontent with the status quo. Right now, I surrender my heart and life to You in a new commitment to know You more.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Choose one Christmas decoration to leave out this year. Put it in a place where you will see it every day as a reminder that Christmas is a daily celebration and a way of life.

In your journal, write out a prayer of commitment to know and serve Jesus more this year. What would that look like in your life? Record your description in your journal. Recruit an accountability partner who will periodically ask you how you are doing in this new faith adventure.

More from the Girlfriends

Be sure to check out the FREE MP3son Mary's website.

Need help with time management and learning how to set and reach the goals God has for your life? Mary's E-Bible Study, Time: Friend or Foeoffers practical tools for bringing a holy order to your life.

Need help getting the Word of God into your life? Check out Mary's Weekly Online Bible Study, When I Am Afraid, to learn how to face, deal with and surrender your fears to God.

Are you ready to begin a new faith adventure? Get a copy of our new book, Trusting God.

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


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