Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

February 23, 2012
How to Stay Young
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10, NIV).

Friend to Friend
In April, I will celebrate my 61st birthday! Honestly, I didn't think I would live this long. Seriously! Where have the years gone? It seems every day of life has been jam-packed full of both wonderful and horrible things I wondered if I would survive and yet, here I am, going strong and wondering why there always seems to be some kind of helicopter still landing in my life.

I have some advice for you, girlfriend. If you are a young woman, it really is true that you should cherish every day and every moment with your friends and family because the older you get, the quicker the days fly by. I look at my children who are married and having children of their own and wonder where all of those years went. How did this happen?

If you are an older woman, take a deep breath and celebrate the fact that you are breathing. I believe if you are alive, God has a purpose and plan for your life. Give yourself a pat on the back for your survival skills. Take a few moments to reflect on your life and don't get hung up on what might have been. Celebrate what is and what will be.

I have discovered some wonderful advantages to growing older and have learned some valuable lessons along the way. Each chapter of life seems to grow more exciting and I keep wondering when that "slow down" thing is going to kick in. I am no longer overly concerned with a lot of things that once kept me awake at night. There is great freedom in having paid a lot of "life dues" because I have already been there, done that and don't really care about getting the T-shirt.

I can say with authority that you probably will live through that crisis you think will be the death of you. What defines you today may very well seem ridiculous in ten years or even ten days. Stupidity will give way to wisdom learned the hard way. I now give myself permission to do or not do things I once would have felt compelled to do simply because it was someone's ridiculous expectation ... not God's plan. My audience has certainly changed over the years from the people who love to leer at me through the glass bowl in which I live to running the race of life for an audience of One.

Yes, there are moments when I have made a frenzied and desperate attempt to stay young. But then, why would I want to do that? There are many years of my life I really do not want to revisit and there is so much of my life now that I love. During one of those youth seeking moments, I came across the following list of ways to stay young and found it quite interesting.

How to Stay Young

1. Throw out non-essential numbers such as your age, weight and height.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. If you really need a grouch, there are probably family members to fill that need.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Just never let the brain idle.

4. Enjoy the simple things. When the children are young, that is all you can afford. When they are in college that is all you can afford. When they are grown, and you are on retirement, that is all you can afford.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. Laugh so much that you can be tracked in the store by your distinctive laughter.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person that is with us our entire life is ourselves.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it is family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies or whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Go to the mall, the next county, a foreign country - but not guilt.

10. Tell the people you love how much you love them every chance you get. Never assume they know.

11. Don't worry about things you cannot change or do anything about. Accept them and move on.

12. Read more and dust less.

13. Spend more time with your family and friends and less time working.

14. Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. Recognize these moments now and cherish them.

15. Do not "save" anything. Use your good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the next blossom of flowers you see.

16. Wear your best outfit to the market.

17. Don't save your good perfume for only special occasions. Use it even if you are going shopping or just to the bank.

18. "Someday" and "one of these days" should vanish from your vocabulary. If it is worth seeing or hearing or doing, go and see or hear or do it now.

What about you? Are you living each day to the fullest? Jesus is all about living an abundant life in the here and now ... whatever stage of life that may be for you. Jesus came so that we can live abundantly and eternally. Eternity began the moment you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Let's Pray
Father, I want to live life to the fullest. I want everything you have for me and don't want to miss a single blessing or trial that is for my good. Please help me keep my eyes on You and celebrate every day and all that it holds. I trust You, Lord, to work all things together for my good and Your glory.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Who or what is stealing the joy from your life?

What circumstance are you facing that you need to see through God's eyes and boldly trust Him for?

Look around. What can you find in your life to celebrate?

Are you living out God's purpose for your life or are you bowing to the wrong audience and listening to the wrong voices?

Today, make the decision to celebrate life and all God has for you.

Read Romans 8:28 and know God is at work to make your life exactly what He wants it to be.

More from the Girlfriends
As a pastor's wife, I have talked with so many women who feel as if they were worthless, a freakish accident. Listen, my friend, you were planned and wanted by God. God is crazy about you and wants an intimate relationship with you.  I pray that you will see yourself in the eyes of God, a chosen child. Need help? Check out one of Mary's MP3 downloads, Come as You Are to discover how to see yourself through the eyes of God.

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

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]

February 24, 2012
No More Nagging
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective," (James 5:16 TNIV).

Friend to Friend
There are some verses in the Bible that I wish God had just left out.  Here are a few of them:

A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping. (Proverbs 19:13)
A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day; restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand. (Proverbs 27:15,16)
Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife. (Proverbs  21:19)
Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. (Proverbs 25:24) 
OK, that's about all I can take right now.  When I wrote the book, Becoming the Woman of His Dreams, I surveyed and interviewed men about what they longed for in a wife.  One thing that men repeatedly mentioned was their aversion to nagging. Drip, drip, drip. Webster defines nagging as to scold or find fault with repeatedly, to cause annoyance by scolding or repetition. Interestingly, a nag is also an inferior or aged horse. The best remedy to cure ourselves from being a nagging wife, or a nagging mother, or a nagging friend, is to become a praying woman. Jesus invites us to stop nagging our husbands (and others) and begin nagging God!           

Here's what Jesus had to say:

"Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, `Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'

"Then the one inside answers, `Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (Luke 11:5-9).

In the Greek, the words ask, seek, and knock are present participle verbs. The more correct translation would read, ask and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking, knock and keep on knocking. God invites us to be persistent in our prayers. We can give our worries and cares to God and leave it up to Him to do the rest. "Cast all your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you," (Psalms 55:22).  "Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you," (1 Peter 5:7). If you are married, remember, you don't want to be your husband's mother...you want to be the woman of his dreams.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I confess that sometimes I nag my husband...alright, maybe more than sometimes. But Lord, I am determining in my heart to stop nagging my husband and start being consistent and persistent in prayer. My husband is Your workmanship, not mine. Forgive me when I try to yank the paint brush from Your hand and create brushstrokes of my own. I pray that I can be the woman that he needs in order to become the man that You desire.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What do you think a nag sounds like?

Do you ever nag your husband or other significant people in your life?

If there are things that you tend to nag your husband about, try this - write them down on a piece of paper, turn the list over to God, and then turn off the leaky faucet. Give it a try.  You might be surprised!

Visit my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes and tell me 1 leaky faucet comment you are going to turn off for good. Finish this sentence. "I'm not going to nag my husband (or friend, or parent, etc.) about __________ anymore. Instead I'm going to give it to God.


More from the Girlfriends
Nagging just seems to come natural for most of us girls. But God calls us to live super-naturally.  If your marriage could use a bit of freshening up, take a look at Sharon's book, Becoming the Woman of His Dreams. And if it that little but powerful muscle called the tongue that needs an overhaul, see her book, The Power of a Woman's Words. It is up to us to turn off that leaky faucet for good!

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


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







 
             

[Judy Harder]

February 27, 2012
Service: Love in Action
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing (Ephesians 2:10, NCV).

Friend to Friend
The Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea are made of the same water that flows down, clear and cold from the heights of Hermon and the roots of the cedars of Lebanon. The Sea of Galilee is a place of great beauty because it has an outlet. It gathers in its riches and then pours them out again to fertilize the Jordan plain. However, the Dead Sea, with the same water creates horror. The Dead Sea has no outlet. It gets to keep.

When we come to God, one of our first "natural" responses is to serve Him. In fact, our service to God should be spontaneous, enthusiastic and tireless. If there is no desire to serve or we find it hard to serve, then there is something wrong in our relationship with God.

One summer, our air conditioner was not working correctly. It only partially cooled the house but seemed to run all day long, doubling our electric bill. When the repairman arrived, the first thing he did was remove the filter from the air conditioning unit. It was filthy. He then removed the coil which was completely covered with layers of dog hair, cat fur and dust. The repairman explained, "This unit was never meant to work under this load. It is working as hard as it can but it is not strong enough to do something it was never intended to do." He then replaced the filter and cleaned the coil. Our electric bill went back down, the house was cooler than it had been in months and the unit ran smoothly.                                                 

We were created to serve God and to worship Him – here on earth and for eternity. Worship and service cannot be separated. When we worship God, we will naturally serve Him and when we serve God, we are worshipping Him.

There are many Christians who are doing nothing but there are no Christians who have nothing to do. When we think of a servant, we may think of someone who reports to work for a specific amount of time and is paid a specific wage. That is an employee - not a servant. The word "serve" comes from the Greek word "latreuo" and is often translated as "worship." It is not the picture of a slave serving a master. It is the picture of a love relationship that compels action.

Romans 12:1 (NIV) "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship."

We worship God by pleasing Him in the daily routines of life. In other words, we should consider each day as a worship service to God.

·         Cleaning house
·         Cooking meals
·         Making beds
·         Picking up children
·         Helping a neighbor
·         Buying groceries
·         Teaching a bible study
·         Listening to a hurting friend

Service begins in the heart where it was conceived in love and then works its way out in every day life as an act of praise and gratitude. Service is love in action.

Let's Pray
Father, thank You for sending Your son, Jesus Christ, to die in my place and pay for my sin. I can never thank You enough for Your grace, mercy and love. I want to serve You with my whole heart. Please lead and direct me in the way You have for me to go. I want to be Your servant.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

List several talents and gifts that you recognize in your own life.
How are you using those talents and gifts to serve God?
Ask those who know you best to identify your strengths. You may be surprised at their response.
Look for ways to serve in the areas that give you the most joy.
More from the Girlfriends
The most joyful people I know are the ones who serve God whenever and wherever they can. Don't try to serve with the gifts you think you should have. I encourage you to identify your gifts and abilities and then use them to serve others. God created you with a specific plan in mind and will empower you for His service.

Looking for a Bible Study? Check out one of Mary's E-Bible Studies. You can download each lesson on your own computer, print it out and complete it at your own pace. Perfect for both personal and small group study.

Need encouragement? Check out Mary's weekly online Bible study Light for the Journey and join women across the world in Bible study and prayer. The current topic is When I Am Afraid. Learn how to face and deal with the fear in your life.

[Judy Harder]

February 28, 2012
God's Gifts in Dark Times
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32, NIV)

Friend to Friend
I stood at Steven's bedroom door, watching this now 17-year-old son asleep in a tangle of sheets and limbs. He was six feet tall, needed a shave and sported a mass of shaggy, thick brown hair. I thought about how much I loved this boy.

When Steven was born, we had no idea we would be raising him as an only child. Years of infertility struggles and the loss of our second child left us with a hollow echo of the heart that we feared would never be filled. And yet, when I looked at this sleeping man-child, loved filled every nook and cranny of my heart till I thought it would burst. Still, there was always the wondering what life would have been like had more Jaynes children filled the rooms, scattered their toys, and left handprints on the walls.

"Lord," I prayed, "You know how much I love children and how I always longed to be a mom to a house full of children. I know your ways are higher than our ways, and that You are my heavenly Father who knows what's best for me, but God could you show me a purpose behind the pain of those difficult years of longing? You certainly don't owe me an explanation, but I'd love to have a bit of encouragement today. I'd love a nugget of gold."

Standing in the door frame, watching the rhythmic rise and fall of Steven's steady breathing, God's Word washed over me.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

"Is that You, Lord?" I asked. "Is that my nugget of gold?"

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

The words washed over me again like a spring rain on parched ground, and my breath caught. It was if the Holy Spirit illuminated Steven like a lone actor on the stage. Steven ... my one and only son. For the first time in my life I truly grasped the height, the depth and the breadth of those familiar words. Jesus ... God's one and only Son.

Yes, I have a one and only son. I love many people in this world, but none enough to sacrifice my only son. And yet God loved me that much. He loved you that much. He loved us enough to sacrifice His one and only Son in order to make eternal life with Him possible.

All through those years of infertility and loss, Satan, the enemy, taunted me with words of doubt. God doesn't love you, he'd say. If He loved you, He'd give you what you asked for. He doesn't love you. You can't trust Him with your heart.

And yet, at that moment standing in Steven's door frame, I realized just how much God did love me. He had shone the light of His love on the enemy's lie and revealed the truth.

With tears spilling down my cheeks, I thanked God for helping me understand His great love — for giving me a living, breathing daily reminder of that love every time I looked at my boy. If that was the only purpose behind the years of infertility and loss of a child, then that was enough.

The Bible says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).What does God really mean by "all things?" Most likely He means all things — the good, the bad and the ugly. In every dark circumstance of life, I believe that there is a nugget of gold or a hidden treasure just waiting to be discovered. However, for that to happen, we must look beyond the dirt, push it aside, and search beneath the surface.

Is it easy? No. Is it messy? Usually. It is worth it? Always.

Has there been a trial or loss in your life? If so, I wonder if God has a valuable treasure hidden beneath the surface of the pain, just waiting to be discovered. Do you trust Him enough to push the dirt aside and see?

Let's Pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so much that You gave Your only Son so that I could receive eternal life the moment I believed in Him. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
You know, it brings tears to my eyes every time I think of that day standing in Steven's doorframe. How about you? Was there a particular time when you knew that you knew just how much God loves you?

Perhaps it came on the heels of a difficult situation? Perhaps it came during a time of joy? Think about that today. Praise God for that today. Remember.

I'd love to hear about your glory moment. In one sentence, join me on www.facebook.comand share it with your GiGs. Here's how we'll start...One day I was reminded of God's love for me when...

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from the GiGs new book, Trusting God. To download a free excerpt, watch a video, or order, you can visit www.sharonjaynes.comor www.girlfriendsinGod.com.

[Judy Harder]

February 29, 2012
Take This Job and Love It!
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be" (Psalm 139:16, NIV).

Friend to Friend
We all want to be successful in our work. Your office may be downtown or just inside your front door. Your work clothes may be an elegant suit or ragged jeans and a stained t-shirt. You may be paid in cash or with crayon drawings and sticky kisses. It doesn't really matter because none of these things alone makes us successful in the work place.

Many people never experience success in their work because they are in the wrong work to begin with. Not me. As a high school student, I knew exactly what I wanted to be – a nurse. My mother was a nurse and I wanted to be just like her so I signed up to be a student volunteer at the hospital where my mother worked. When I told her the good news, she thought for a moment and then simply said, "That's great, honey. You'll make a wonderful nurse."

On my first day, I eagerly donned the required red and white striped uniform and reported for duty. The head nurse welcomed me and explained that I would be checking each patient to make sure they had water to drink, magazines to read and a listening ear. That sounded simple enough. "Oh, and one more thing," she continued. In retrospect, I should have instantly recognized the danger in those words and run for the nearest exit. In my ignorance, I stayed. "Since we are short-handed, I may ask you to do just a few things to help the other nurses on duty," she said. "No problem" I assured her.

At that precise moment, a scream pierced the air! The head nurse calmly looked at me, smiled and said, "Could you check on that, please?" Surely, I had misunderstood her. "Now!" she continued. Taking a deep breath, I headed in the direction of the scream, praying that that it was nothing more than the celebratory cry of someone who had just won a million dollars.

As I neared the room in question, a bedpan flew through the doorway in front of me, landing at my feet. Furthermore, the bedpan was not empty. I decided right then and there that nursing was not for me, turned in my candy cane apron and raced for the nearest exit. Mama was waiting for me as I stepped off the elevator. She smiled, handed me the cars keys and simply said, "See you at home." Fortunately, I had a wise and wonderful mother who knew me well and from that day on encouraged me to be the teacher God created me to be.   

I truly believe many people are living stress-filled lives because they have never sought and discovered God's plan and are trapped in jobs and careers that simply do not fit. Every day, they feel like the proverbial round peg being jammed into a square hole – a painful and frustrating process.

What does fit is God's plan. In Psalm 23:3, David writes, "He leads me in paths of righteousness." In this verse "righteousness" simply means "right things." The Shepherd has a plan for His sheep. Unfortunately, so does everyone else. The difference is that God's plan is filled with the "right things" He shaped and created us to do while the agendas of others tend to service their own purposes instead of God's. God empowers His plan, but when we step into our own agenda or a plan created by anyone else, we are stepping into and relying upon our frail, limited strength. Soon, we will be empty and stress will flood in, filling the emptiness with anxiety and tension. Don't waste another day just doing the "next" thing. Take a long, hard look at your work, your job, and your agenda to make sure you are in the right place - doing what you were created to do in this world.

You have probably heard the statement, "I climbed the ladder of success, and when I reached the top, I realized it was leaning against the wrong wall." Not long ago, I came to a crossroads in my life that made me question the path I was taking in ministry. I asked God to either change me and the way I was doing ministry or change my ministry. He did both! Once again, I realized that God wants the highest and best things for my life. That really is His plan. Don't settle for anything less. 

Let's Pray
Father, I want to follow Your plan for my life. Help me to walk in daily obedience so that Your unique and perfect plan for my life will naturally unfold before me. And when I am discouraged or stressed because of the work I am doing, give me Your peace and the assurance that I am in the right spot doing the right things You created me to do.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
The amazing truth is that more than we want to know God's plan for our life - He wants us to know it and stands ready to guide us. God always reveals His plan to an obedient and seeking heart. Are you willing to do whatever God asks you to do?

Read Jeremiah 29:11 and record it in your journal. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (NIV).

Seek God and ask for His direction.
Seek His will by searching His Word.
Pay attention to the passion of your heart.
Realistically evaluate your abilities.
Take into account your natural talents.
Consider the advice of those who know you best.
Then step out in faith, trusting God to help you make the right choice.

More From The Girlfriends
God gives us His truth to learn and then to apply. God has a unique plan or "recipe" for each one of us. Our greatest opportunity for success is to live that plan. I believe God tucks into our very soul a discontentment with anything but His life "recipe." If we approach each day searching for His handprints in every situation, choosing to walk in obedience to His Word, we will surely find ourselves right in the middle of God's purpose and plan.

Mary's Bible Study Take This Job and Love It,offers six principles from the life of the Proverbs 31 woman that will help you be successful in your work, no matter where you work or what your job may be. Study guide included.

It's not too late to enroll in Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey, and have access to all of 2011 studies. The current topic is When I Am Afraid. Learn how to face and deal with your fear so you can live in peace and victory. 

[Judy Harder]

March 1, 2012
What's Your Temperature?
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"Search Me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)

Friend to Friend
I got a phone call in the middle of the day from my son Preston. He was calling from the nurse's office at the school. Here's how the conversation went:

"Hey, Mom. It's Preston. I'm not feeling well, and I have a temperature of 96.5. Can you come get me?"

"96.5 degrees?" I asked. "Honey, that's below normal! That doesn't sound right."

"I know," he said, "but I don't feel well. Can you please come pick me up?"

"Sure, honey. I'll be right there."

I chuckled the whole way to the school at what he had said.  Surely he misread the thermometer! A normal temperature is 98.6. Something was off. I got to the school in a North Carolina minute and headed straight to the nurse's office. While Preston packed his bag to go home, I spoke privately to the school nurse. With a grin on her face, she explained to me that Preston was resistant to putting the thermometer under his tongue as she had instructed him to do. He wasn't comfortable with that. "So," she said, "he held the thermometer between his lips." The nurse and I exchanged amused glances as I thanked her for helping my son.

Although Preston knew something wasn't right with his body, the nurse didn't get an accurate temperature reading because he didn't place the thermometer deep enough into his mouth. He didn't let it probe past the surface of his lips.

Later that night, as I thought back on the day, the Lord spoke to my heart. I realized that I'm often as stubborn as Preston because there are many times when I resist having an accurate reading of my spiritual wellness taken. Times when I won't let Him probe past the surface of my heart, my actions, my attitudes, and my perspective - to allow God to reveal the accurate spiritual temperature of my life. Times when I'm not comfortable with deeper-level stuff... when I won't sit still to listen.

I was disturbed by that thought.

I needed to be disturbed by that thought. By that truth. Just because I've been a Christian for a long time does not mean that I'm always in perfect spiritual health. In fact, the more I learn about God's holiness through the Bible, the more I realize how much I need His grace and strength every minute of every day.

You might not "feel well" today. Perhaps you have spiritual indigestion from your marriage, your children, your friendships, your finances, your singleness, your conversations. You could be "sick" from the shows you watch, the internet relationships you've developed, the gossip or harsh words you allow to pass from your lips, the jealousy you feel in your heart. Maybe you haven't allowed your heart to be probed recently... you've been resistant because you don't like to feel uncomfortable, convicted or exposed.

The Bible tells us that the kindness of God leads us to repentance, and repentance leads us to restoration. To wellness and holiness in Christ. What's your spiritual temperature? Are you hot or cold? Is the flame of faith in your heart fading or raging? Have you sat still long enough lately to ask God to search your heart? It's time for an accurate reading, friend.

"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

Let's Pray
Holy Father, as the psalmist prayed, I ask that you would, "search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV).
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Take a spiritual inventory today. Spend a few moments considering your spiritual wellness. Ask God to probe your heart and reveal areas in your life that need to be made right as you answer the following questions:

·         What is your quiet time like?
·         Is God a top priority in your life?
·         Do you set aside time regularly to read your Bible?

Read John 15:1-11 and then write a prayer response.

Click here to LISTENto a song called Restore that connects with this devotion beautifully.

More from the Girlfriends
The Bible tells us that God disciplines those He loves. I do realize that this devotion might have stepped on your toes today. Please know that Sharon, Mary and I are on the pruning table right there with you, and though we may not always love the sting of God's pruning, we can trust that it is for our growing and for His glory. Hope you take time for the deeper-level stuff today!

Are you ready to go deeper, but struggle to know how? Gwen's book, Broken Into Beautiful, can help you connect some faith dots. To grab a signed copy from her website CLICK HERE– or order Broken into Beautiful from Amazon, Barnes & Nobleor your favorite online retailer.

How did today's devotion connect with your heart? How were you challenged personally? Let's talk about it and pray through it on my Facebook page! Meet me at www.Facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic.

[Judy Harder]

March 2, 2012
The Aroma of Christ
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? ( 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, NIV).

Friend to Friend
I tend to be a creature of habit in many ways – a fact that impacts all areas of my life – even when it comes to smells. I know. A little strange but let me explain. 

While teaching third grade at an elementary school in Texas, I habitually took the same route to work every morning. The elementary school was only a 15 minute drive from our home, and there were several different and even shorter routes I could have taken. However, the one I normally took went by a bakery at the precise time they were gearing up for the day. The aroma of fresh bread was like a magnet that lured me in to grab a hot cinnamon roll or blueberry muffin to eat on my way to school. Scrumptious! In fact, I eagerly volunteered to provide goodies for the teacher break room because it gave me an excuse to stop at the bakery. And all the other teachers just thought I was being nice! Interestingly enough, if I was dieting, I took a different route in order to avoid that tempting smell.

I am also a creature of habit when it comes to candles. I love candles. In fact, everyone who knows me can testify to the fact I have a "thing" for candles. I burn them continually for any or no reason other than the fact I enjoy their aroma. When I walk in my front door, the fragrance of a burning candle often triggers wonderful memories and instantly draws me in. And the aroma of just-baked cookies or a pot of coffee brewing just makes me feel good. I have to say that fragrances are important to me.

Unfortunately, life is filled with both pleasant and not-so-pleasant fragrances. One of my least favorite smells comes from a litter box. We have had cats on and off for many years. Never just one cat mind you. Oh no. At one point, we had two adult cats that both had kittens within a month of each other for a grand total of nine cats. And did I mention the fact that I hate litter boxes? When I walked in the front door of our home and was greeted by that toxic litter box odor, I flew into high gear lighting candles, emptying the litter box and ... well, you get the idea. An aroma can be appealing and inviting or it can be offensive and unpleasant. That same principle can be applied to our life in Christ.

A life without Jesus Christ is filled with the aroma of death but the fragrance of Jesus Christ at work in a life is pleasing and winsome. The knowledge of Christ is a compelling and magnetic fragrance that draws the broken heart and wounded soul to a place of restoration. When God looks at one of His children, I am convinced His heart beats with love, giving off the beautiful aroma of grace and hope.

2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (NIV) "But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?"

How about your life? Do you live in such a way that people are drawn to you and the pleasant aroma of Jesus Christ and His truth at work in you? Does His transforming knowledge compel others to take a second look at your life and want what you have? I so want my life to be one that is winsome like Jesus was. I want others to see Him in me and be drawn to the fragrance of His love and mercy that save me and give my life purpose. I want to be the aroma of Jesus Christ to the broken and wounded people who cross my path every day.

Let's Pray
Father, I want others to see You in my life. I want to live out Your truth and knowledge in such a way that the lost and broken are drawn to Your love and mercy in me. Teach me how to saturate my life with Your truth and then share that truth with those around me. Let me be the sweet aroma of You to my family, friends, and neighbors ... everyone You send my way.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Make a list of your five favorite fragrances.
How do these fragrances make you feel?
Are you saturating your life with the fragrance of God's truth?
Who are the people in your life who need to know Christ?
What step(s) do you need to take to be the aroma of Jesus Christ to the people in your life?

More from the Girlfriends
It has become a family joke that I have an invisible sign on my forehead that says "Dump here." Why? Not because of anything that I have done but simply because of God's presence in me that draws people to Himself.

[Judy Harder]

March 5, 2012
Like a Child
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it (Mark 10:15, NIV).

Friend to Friend
I recently read the story of a young family who went out to eat at a local restaurant. They were the only family with children in the restaurant. The mom sat their little boy, Erik, in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, "Hi." He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin as he wriggled and giggled with joy.

The mother looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man wearing baggy pants and shoes so worn that his toes poked out. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map. The man sat far away but the mother was sure he smelled bad. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists in an effort to make Erik laugh.

"Hi there, baby. Hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster," the man said to Erik. Erik's mom and dad exchanged looks and asked, "What do we do?" Erik continued to laugh and answer, "Hi." Everyone in the restaurant noticed the man who was creating a nuisance with the beautiful baby. Their meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, "Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo." Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk.

Erik's parents were embarrassed and ate in silence. Not Erik. He was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments. The parents finally got through the meal and headed for the door. The husband went to pay the check and told his wife to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between the mother and the door. "Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik," she prayed. As she drew closer to the man, she turned her back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As she did, Erik leaned over her arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's "pick-me-up" position. Before the mom could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from her arms to the man's.

Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head on the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and tears hovered beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled the baby and gently stroked his back.

No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time. The mother and every other person in the restaurant were awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and in a firm and even commanding voice said, "You take care of this baby." Somehow the mother managed, "I will" from a throat choked with emotion.

He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. The mom took her baby and the man said, "God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift." With Erik in her arms, the mom ran for the car. Her husband was wondering why his wife was crying and holding Erik so tightly saying, "My God, my God, forgive me." Everyone had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. The mother was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. A ragged old man had unwittingly preached the message found in Scripture, "To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become as little children."

Let's Pray
Father, please forgive me for the times I have judged others and failed to love them like You wanted me to love them. Help me see others through Your eyes of unconditional love. Give me a heart of love and mercy toward others in need.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read the story of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37. Put yourself in the place of the wounded man. How would you have responded to the actions of the Samaritan? Put yourself in the place of the Samaritan. What was he thinking when he saw the wounded Jewish man lying on the road? Put yourself in the place of the inn keeper. What do you imagine he thought when the Samaritan brought the wounded Jewish man in? How does this story apply to your life?

More from the Girlfriends
It is so easy to live each day with tunnel vision. To dismiss people because they don't look like we do or act like we do. Jesus never did that. He always made time for the lonely man, woman and child in need. I want to be more like Him. I want to have His eyes and His heart when it comes to meeting the needs of people He brings into my life. How about you?

Need a friend?Connect with Mary on Facebookor through email. Be sureto check out the FREE MP3son Mary's website.Need a Bible Study? Check out the E-Bible Studiesavailable in Mary's online store. They are perfect for small group study as well as your own personal study.

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]

March 6, 2012
Are You Living Below the Bar?
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"So Mephibosheth ate at David's table like one of the king's sons" (2 Samuel 9:11 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Who is the world is Mephibosheth, and what possessed his momma to give him such a name? Well, I can't answer the second question, but I can shed some light on the first. Mephibosheth was a man who was living way below his potential.  He was the grandson of King Saul and the son of Prince Jonathan, but he lived like a pauper.  When he was a little boy, his nurse dropped him while fleeing from their enemies. As a result, he was crippled in both feet (2 Samuel 9).

When David took over as King of Israel, he wanted to know if there was anyone in Jonathan's household to whom he could show kindness. Jonathan had been David's best friend, and he loved him as a brother. A servant told David about the crippled Mephibosheth, and he was summoned immediately.  Mephibosheth lived in a place called Lo-Debar (meaning a pasture-less land).

My own (very unofficial) translation of Lo-Debar is "below the bar." Mephibosheth was living below the bar. He was the grandchild of a king, but he was living in a pasture less land like a pauper. When he came before King David he said, "What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?"

David didn't even answer him. He simply turned to his servant and commanded that all the land that had been Saul's be given back to his grandson and that Mephibosheth should eat at the king's table everyday.

Perhaps you are walking around like a crippled because of something that has happened to you as a child. Perhaps you feel like a "dead dog." And yet, God is looking for ways to bless you, to restore what has been taken away, and invite you to feast at His table everyday. Mephiboseth was a grandchild of King Saul and potential heir to the throne. However, he saw himself as nothing more than a "dead dog," unworthy to receive even the smallest crumb of kindness from David. David's desire was to restore to Mephibosheth all the land that would have been his inheritance and invite him to feast at his table daily. Mephibosheth didn't see himself as he really was.  In reality, he was royalty.  "A dead dog?"  I think not!

Do you see yourself as you really are? You are a chosen, dearly loved, child of God. You have been blessed with every spiritual blessing, delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of Christ! You, girlfriend, are a child of the King!

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, so many times I walk around with an emotional limp like a wounded animal.  But the truth is, I am a child of the King and I should act like one!  Thank you for inviting me to feast at Your banquet table every morning by feeding my soul from Your Word and drinking in the Holy Spirit's power. Today, I will not limp about, but run, jump, and even dance with the joy!
In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Be honest.  Do you act more like the pitiful Mephibosheth or a powerful princess?

What mind adjustment do you need to make to start acting like a child of the King?

You have been invited to feast at His table and do so every time you open the pages of your Bible.  Have you accepted His invitation?

If you are willing to start walking like a child of the King today, simply visit my Facebook page, www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes and agree with me with the words...I, (put your name), am a child of the King.

More from the Girlfriends
Unfortunately, many of us limp around like poor old Mephib. We live way below the bar of what God intended. If you would like to learn more about who you are as a child of God and start living the life God intended all along, my book Becoming Spiritually Beautiful will help get you there. It's time to start seeing yourself as God sees you...and acting like you are who God says you are!

Seeking God?

[Judy Harder]

March 7, 2012
I Want it All!
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever (Psalm 136:2, NIV).

Friend to Friend
I want it all. I want everything God has for me. However, I don't believe my life really reflects that attitude. I tend to settle for so much less than God's very best for my life.

You may have heard the story of the man who died and went to Heaven. He was met at the Pearly Gates by Saint Peter who welcomed the man and then said, "Let's take a look around Heaven and then I will show you to your new home." The man was stunned by the beauty and grandeur of Heaven and could hardly wait to see what his house looked like. Peter finally stopped in front of a beautiful mansion and said, "Here you are. This is your home in Heaven. How do you like it?" The man stared in awe at the place where he would spend eternity. "I can't wait to see what it looks like on the inside," the man exclaimed. Saint Peter took the man by the arm and said, "Let's take a look."

When Saint Peter opened the front door, the man gasped at the sight before him. Beautiful boxes of all shapes and sizes were stacked from the ceiling to the floor in every room. "I don't understand. What are all of these boxes doing here?" Saint Peter sadly smiled and said, "We will have them removed as soon as possible. These are all of the blessings we had waiting for you on earth – but you never asked for them. Now it's too late."

God longs to pour out His blessings on His children. We have somehow bought into the lie that we will receive good things from God by working harder, trying to be better or doing more good things. Girlfriend, that is from the pit and smells like smoke.

We are saved by God's grace and nothing we do or don't do will ever be good enough to earn the favor of God. In Ephesians the apostle Paul tells us that salvation is a gift – period.

Ephesians 2:8 (NIV) "Forit is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God ... "

If we could earn salvation, it would simply be a salary for works we have done. We are saved through faith in God alone. Salvation and the blessings of God are His gifts to us. We simply receive them. And yet, we try to make the blessings of God seem almost impossible to experience. He is just waiting for us to seek Him ... to listen for His voice ... and then to follow Him.

Just imagine that today is your child's birthday. You have a wonderful party planned and have spent a lot of time picking out the perfect birthday gift. Do you expect your child to earn that gift by cleaning the house, doing the laundry, taking out the trash and completing every job on a very long list of chores you have prepared? Of course not! You simply want to delight in the joy on your child's face when he or she receives and opens that special gift.

I have received the gift of salvation as have many of you. We have surrendered our lives to Him and are seeking to follow Him. But I want everything He has planned for me – don't you? The good news is that God wants us to come to Him with "shameless audacity" and ask for His blessings.

Luke 11:5-10 Then Jesus said to them, "Suppose you have a friend and you go to him at midnight and say, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.' And suppose the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Did you catch the mind-blowing truth in this passage of Scripture? The words "shameless audacity" jumped out at me for the first time as my husband preached a powerful message on this passage of Scripture. Don't miss this truth, girlfriend! God wants us to pray and live and breathe with the mindset that we want everything He has planned for us now and eternally! And we can come to Him with that shameless audacity – not because of anything we have done – but because of who He is and what He has planned for each one of us. He is God! He is our Lord and Savior and our Father who is just waiting to pour out His amazing blessings on His daughters. Why? Because He loves us! He adores us! We were created by God for God. As Max Lucado says, "If God had a refrigerator our pictures would be on it!"

Today, grab hold of the truth that in the eyes of God you are somebody special. You are planned and wanted. You belong. You are chosen. Come before Him and tell Him you want it all! Yes, you want everything He has planned for you! Now hold out your hands, girlfriend. God's highest and richest blessings for your life are on their way!

Let's Pray
Father, I am tired of settling for the meager leftovers this world has to offer. Forgive me for not being willing to step out in faith and seek You and the plan You have for my life. Lord, I really do want everything You have in store for me. Right now, I come to You in shameless audacity and ask that You pour those blessings into my life. I receive them from Your hand of mercy and grace and thank You in advance for what You are going to do in my life as I seek and follow You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read and memorize Ephesians 2:8 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." How would you define "grace" and "faith" as they apply to your life?

Read and memorize 2 Timothy 1:9 "He has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time." What is God's purpose for your life?

Write out a prayer of commitment thanking God for His blessings in your life and for the blessings He has in store for you.

More from the Girlfriends

Need a friend?Connect with Mary on Facebookor through email. Be sureto check out the FREE MP3son Mary's website.

Need a Bible Study? Check out the E-Bible Studiesavailable in Mary's online store. Titles include, Anger Management, How to Find Your Missing Peace and Laugh More ... Live Better. They are perfect for small group study as well as your own personal study.

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