Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

June 20, 2012
Struggling Together in Prayer
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me," (Romans 15:30 NIV).

Friend to Friend
I am so glad that God gave us girlfriends who will struggle with us in prayer. Paul wasn't a Girlfriend in God, but he certainly understood the power of praying for our friends.

He wrote: "I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me" (Romans 15:30 NIV). "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should" (Ephesians 6:18-20 NIV).

The New Testament was originally written in Greek and sometimes looking at the original definitions of the words can give us great insight. The Greek word Paul uses for struggle in Romans 15:30 is sunagonizomai, which means "to struggle in the company of; i.e., to be a partner (assistant), strive together with."  The root word means "to endeavor to accomplish something: fight, labor fervently, strive," for example, to compete for a prize or to contend with an adversary.

Prayer for another person is not simply a nice thing to say or a pat on the back. It is more than a "God bless Suzie." When we tell someone that we will pray for them we are agreeing to put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6) and head to the front lines of battle on her behalf.

Many ancient shields had brackets attached to the sides. These brackets were a type of latch that soldiers could use to lock shields during battle. When the shields were locked together, the soldiers moved as one force, forming a barricade against the enemy.  Alone, the shield was a small defense. Together they formed a human wall. Do you see the significance? When we lock arms in prayer with others, we are locking our shields together and forming a powerfully strong fortress of defense.

One night I was in the restroom touching up my makeup before speaking to several hundred women. I was having one of those moments when I looked in the mirror and several thoughts began to swirl in my mind. What am I doing here? What do I possibly have to say to these women that could make any difference in their lives? I am not capable of walking to that podium tonight.

While I was mulling over the lies, the fiery darts Satan was shooting into my mind, my cell phone rang.

"Hello."           

Hi Sharon.  This is Mary. (My GiG Mary)  Where are you?"

"Actually, I'm standing in the restroom at a speaking engagement getting ready to walk out on the stage. I forgot to turn off my cell phone!"

"I want you to know," Mary continued, "God interrupted me while I was cooking dinner and told me to pray for you. Not only that, He told me to call you...now."

I imagined Mary standing in her kitchen with spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove and stopping mid-stir. There might have been a little conversation with God that went something like this:

"Call Sharon and pray for her", God might have said.

"Could you just wait a minute God? The sauce is almost done."

"Call Sharon and pray for her," God repeated.

"Ok, Ok, I'll do it now," she sighed.

There was great power in Mary's instant obedience. If she had waited, I would not have known that she was praying. Not only did God prompt her to pray at that moment, He prompted her to tell me that she was doing so. Why? God knew that there was power in her prayer and He wanted me to know that I was not going into battle alone. He had called Mary to "struggle with me," to "strive together in battle," to lock shields with me and march into victory.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Girlfriends in God to pray for us and with us. Thank you that you called women to join together as mighty prayer warriors with shields hooked together, marching into battle as one unified force.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Is there someone God is calling you to pray for today?

If so, why not give him or her a call or send an e-mail to let the person know.

Better yet, e-mail them the prayer or pray for them over the phone!

While you're praying, we'd love for you to pray for the ministry of Girlfriends in God. We love doing life with you and we need prayer! Thank you for allowing us to share life with you and to struggle with you in prayer.

We love praying for you. We love it when you pray for us. If you would like to share your prayer for this ministry with us, log onto www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes and pray away! I'll make sure that Mary and Gwen see how you have prayed for them today.

More from the Girlfriends
Do you ever feel like you don't know what to pray? One of the ways I pray for people is to pray Scripture over them. On my website, I have laminated Scripture prayer cards that you can tuck on your Bible. Check them out on the bookstore page.

[Judy Harder]

June 21, 2012
Whose Voice Do You Hear?
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me(John 10:27, NIV).

Friend to Friend
Dan and I had been married one year when we moved to Fort Worth, Texas, so Dan could attend seminary. I desperately wanted a teaching job, but none was available. Instead I was hired as a secretary in an insurance office. It was definitely not my idea of a dream job, but I had a plan. Every day, on my lunch hour, I call the school district's personnel office to ask, "Do you have a job or me yet?" After several weeks, a frustrated voice finally responded with the words I had been longing to hear. "Mary, will you teach anything anywhere?" she asked. Finally! I jumped at the job offer and made an appointment to visit my new classroom that afternoon. The principal escorted me up a flight of stairs, pointed to a door, and said, "That's your classroom. Good luck!" With a knowing smile, he turned and walked away...quickly.

Stepping into the classroom, I froze at the astonishing sight before me. Some children were jumping on desks while others crawled under tables, all screaming and yelling at the top of their lungs. Paper and food littered the floor. In the corner sat an obviously frazzled substitute teacher, who was desperately trying to gain control of her students...uh, make that my students. The classroom was in total chaos. My first thought was, "What have I gotten myself into?" The next few weeks certainly answered that question.

Each classroom was arranged in learning centers instead of desks. The students moved from center to center as they completed assignments, a plan that naturally invited noise. I learned that because of overcrowding, each teacher had been asked to select two children to form a new classroom...my classroom...and of course, each teacher had chosen his or her two most difficult students.

The first few weeks were a nightmarish battle for control. After losing my voice twice, my sister, Betty, a veteran first grade teacher, gave me some great advice. "The louder you are, the louder the children will be. If you want to get their attention, speak softly so they will have to be quiet in order to hear your voice." I put her advice into action the very next day. As the children entered the classroom, I greeted each one with a silent smile. In my hands was a brightly wrapped box. Curious, they asked, "What is that, Mrs. Southerland?" I merely smiled and said nothing until every student was quietly seated. "I have a new plan," I began. "Sometime during the day, I will call your name once. If you hear my voice, you may choose one prize from our new prize box. If you don't hear my voice, you will miss the opportunity to select a prize and I will call another student's name." It worked like a charm! In a matter of days, my students learned to listen for my voice above all others.

Stress comes when we allow the many voices in life to drown out the only voice that really matters, the voice of God. We can't obey every voice we hear. If we try, we will end up in total failure, carrying a heavy load we were never created to carry. Obedience to God is not a heavy load because we don't have to carry it alone. God's strength and power bear the burden of our obedience to Him. The more time we spend in God's Word and in prayer, the easier it will be to recognize His voice.

Let's Pray
Father, I come to You today, wanting and needing to hear Your voice. I am drowning in the expectations of others and am so confused about the next step I need to take. Please give me Your direction and the strength to follow Your plan for my life.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Psalm 32:8 (NLT) "The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." What comfort does this verse give you about God's plan for your life as opposed to your plans or the plans of others?

Read John 10:4 (NLT) "After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they recognize his voice." Notice that the shepherd walks ahead of his sheep, gently calling them to follow. What change do you need to make in your life so that you can look for God's hand at work and listen for His voice alone?

By faith, accept the truth that God is always at work in your life and thank Him for His steadfast provision. Look back over the last few days, weeks and months of your life. Now praise Him for the things He has done. Identify the "voices" that you tend to listen to instead of listening for the voice of God.

More from the Girlfriends
Check out all of Mary's E-Bible Studies, MP3 downloads, CDs, books and videos in her online store. And don't miss the FREE resources available on Mary's website.

Looking for a Bible Study that is both practical and powerful? Check out Mary's E-Book Bible Studies. Each one includes a study guide that you can download for your personal use or for a small group study.

Be sure to check out Mary's weekly Online Bible Study: How to Dress for Success. Enroll now and have access to all 2012 lessons. Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

June 22, 2012
Masterpiece in the Making
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you (Philippians 1:6, AMP).

Friend to Friend
It took four years of fresco painting for the Italian Renaissance sculptor, painter, architect, and poet Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, to finish the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Commonly known as Michelangelo, his time painting was mostly spent alone, on his back, lying on scaffolding. (How painful!) The painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is one of the most remarkable in the history of Western art. One thing is for sure: the process that altered a ceiling from plain to fabulous required a lot of time, great discipline, and the hand of a master artist. The same is true for us. The journey from broken into beautiful is a lifelong transformation that requires both discipline and a Master Artist.

As Michelangelo was working, I'm sure that lots of people came through the corridors of the chapel and stood in amazement. As they looked up at the beauty of his work, I bet they said things like, "That is the most fantastic work of art I have ever seen!" or "Extraordinary!" To which he might have said, "It's not done!" But did the unfinished state of the project negate that parts of the ceiling were beautiful? No! The parts that were complete were still extravagant and breathtaking.

Maybe this is the way God and others see our lives. It's common for people to notice the work God has done in us and comment on the beauty. And even though compliments are nice to hear, I've been known to resist them. (Admit it, you probably have too.) It's not so much a humility thing as it is an "I-don't-see-myself-as-beautiful" thing. From my limited perspective, I can see only the unfinished work. But in truth, my vantage point doesn't negate the beauty of the work God has done and is doing in my life.

Real beauty isn't about a finished or flawless product. It can't be. It's not possible on this side of eternity to have completed beauty. Our restoration will be complete in the presence of God when we see Him face to face.

Now, you might be saying, "But Gwen, I can't be beautiful!  You don't know what I've done...or what I've been through...or what I'm going through!"

Friend, God knows where you have been, what you have been through, and where you are now. He knows what your flaws are and loves you in spite of your imperfections. His tender love is far-reaching and complete.

Your past sins do not define you.
Your painful scars do not define you.
Your present sufferings do not define you.

They are just shards of brokenness that God will use to lovingly refine your beauty. The transformation from broken into beautiful is neither easy nor instantaneous. It demands a yielded heart and can be quite painful, but it comes with great reward. God will need your broken pieces—your scars, shame, insecurities, disappointments, betrayals, and failures.

Do you have some of those?

Are they tucked away in a safe, do-not-enter part of your heart?

You might find it hard to hand over hurts. I get that. It's hard for me too. But difficult as it may be, it's time to hand them over and let our masterful Lord create a stunning work of beauty in you. And He's going to need all of your broken pieces to complete the restoration.

Let's Pray
Holy Father, I am humbled by Your willingness to love and forgive someone like me.  Please take the broken pieces of my life and don't allow me to have them back.  I surrender to Your healing.  Mold me and shape me into a beautiful reflection of Your glory.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Isaiah 64:8, "Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."

Meditate on this verse.  Read it again and personalize it in a prayerful response to God:  "Yet, O LORD, you are MY Father. I AM the clay, you are the potter; I AM the work of your hand."

Please come to my Facebook page today and share your heart and your "Masterpiece in the making" story with me. www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic.

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion is an excerpt from Gwen's book, Broken into Beautiful. If you would like to learn more about how your brokenness can be transformed into a picture of God's beauty, order Gwen's book Broken Into Beautiful.This resource will help you experience the power of hope, healing and restoration! To order the book, go to Amazon or, for a signed copy, order from Gwen's website: www.gwensmith.net.

LOVE MUSIC? Check out Gwen's latest CD, Uncluttered. The songs of Uncluttered are purposed to sweep you away from life-noise and to focus your heart and mind on the one thing that matters: your relationship with Jesus Christ. You can download the songs from iTunes or Amazon– or order her CDs on www.GwenSmith.net.

[Judy Harder]

June 25, 2012
Silent Longings
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"She (Hagar) gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: 'You are the God who sees me,' for she said, 'I have now seen the One who sees me'" (Genesis 16:13 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Everyone wants to be noticed, to be cared for, to be loved. How my heart breaks with David's words, "No one cares for my soul" (Psalm 142:4). He is crying out during one of the darkest times in his life and felt all alone in his struggle to survive. We might expect to hear those words from the crowded city streets as men and women scurry about in their power suits off to make the next deal. We wouldn't be surprised to hear those words from a vagrant huddled under a bridge with all his worldly possessions stuffed in a plastic grocery bag.  But would we expect it from the person sitting beside us in the church pew, the co-worker in the next cubicle, or the mother of three next door?

While flying from the East Coast to the West Coast, I watched an in flight movie, a cleaned up version of What Women Want staringMel Gibson. Mr. Marshal (Mel Gibson) worked at an advertising firm with a host of busy men and women bustling about in their own little self-absorbed worlds. In a strange twist of events, Mr. Marshal is "electrically altered" when he slips in the bathroom and falls into the bathtub, along with a hair dryer. When he regains consciousness after his shocking experience, he has the ability to read women's minds and hear their thoughts. With his new perceptive powers, he lands a huge Nike advertising account and wins the heart of the leading lady...of course. But there is one poignant sideline of the movie that grabbed my heart.

In the movie, one young nondescript woman in his office had thoughts that stopped Marshal in his tracks. What if I just jumped out the window? Would anyone notice? I could be gone for days and no one would notice...until the files started piling up. Then they'd say, 'Where's the geek with the glasses who carries the files?'

No one did notice the errand girl who refused to make eye contact with her fellow employees, except Marshal, who could hear her thoughts.

One day, the young woman (who we learn is named Erin), doesn't show up for work.

"Where's Erin?" Marshal asked as he notices a pile of files sitting on her desk.

"I don't know," someone replies. "She didn't show up for work today."

Fearing the worst, Marshal locates Erin's address and dashes out to stop her from ending her life.

Bursting into her apartment Marshal sees a suicide letter lying on the table and his heart sinks. A startled Erin walks into the room.

"Mr. Marshal, what are you doing here?"

"I'm glad I got here before you hurt yourself?" he replied.

"What makes you think I was going to hurt myself?"

"I just sensed it," he answered.

"Really? You sensed it? That's not good."

Then Marshal brilliantly changes course. "The real reason I'm here is to offer you a job. You know we got the Nike account and we were wondering who would be a real spitfire to work on this project..." Marshal offers Erin a job and rescues her from the despair of feeling unwanted, unloved, and unimportant.

I'm not suggesting that you watch the movie. After all, it was a cleaned up airline version. However, I am suggesting that you ponder the situation. I believe that men and women walk past us every day, just like Erin in this movie, who feel that they have no significant purpose in this world. Like Erin, I know that there are many who feel that their sudden disappearance would cause little fanfare or concern. It might be the woman who passes you in the hall at work, the rebellious looking teen who shuffles by you at the mall, or the businessman dashing to his next appointment. It takes so little to let someone know that they are significant. We have the ability to give someone hope by offering a simple word of acknowledgement.

Dr. David Jeremiah wrote, "We are shaped by those who love us or refuse to love us, and by those whom we love or refuse to love." It is an amazing opportunity given to each of us as we walk through our day to shape and mold those around us with a simple word of encouragement, acknowledgement, or appreciation. The world is crying out for love - a positive word, a tender touch, a morsel of praise. Sometimes a simple "hello" can be a boost to someone starving to be noticed. Many people are so lonely that any token of attention is like a drop of rain on dry parched ground.

Jesus met a woman who felt very insignificant – bone weary and bone dry. As he talked to her by a well, He said, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:13, 14 NIV). Yes, Jesus is the living water that people need. Isn't it amazing that He allows us to hold the cup - to offer the only drink that will satisfy.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You that You always see me and notice what I'm going through. You know every hair on my head! Help me to never lose sight of the fact that I am very significant in Your eyes. You loved me so much that You gave Your Son, Jesus, so that I might have eternal life with You. I praise Your Holy Name.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Let's go back up to today's truth. Hagar was a woman who felt ignored and all alone. But then God showed up.  Go back and read her amazing story in Genesis 16.

What do You learn about God from this story?

Hagar was not one of God's chosen people, and yet, He cared for her. The Hebrew name that she gave God was El Roi, the God who Sees. Remember today that God sees you!

How does knowing that God sees you make you feel? Share your answer at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes.

More from the Girlfriends
Words-one of the most powerful forces in the universe. If you would like to learn more about how to use your words to speak life into those around you, see my book, The Power of a Woman's Words. While you're there, watch the video or download a free sample chapter. You can change the course of someone's day. You can change the course of someone's life!

[Judy Harder]

June 26, 2012
Stop! Drop! Roll!
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Luke 2:52 "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."

Friend to Friend
A friend recently sent me the following message in an email with a subject line that said, "I immediately thought of you when I read this!"

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body. But rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, "Wow, what a ride!"

As I read the words on the computer screen, I wasn't sure if I had just received a sweet compliment or some badly needed correction – or both. The part about arriving at the grave in a pretty and well preserved body was flattering, but the part about being thoroughly used up and totally worn out – well, not so much. My next thought was, "Boredom is highly underrated!" I suspect that the truth lies somewhere in between, maybe around the area of balance.

Contrary to popular belief and the way that I have lived a great deal of my life, "balance" is not a dirty word. In fact, a balanced life is a powerful life. It must be. I wrote those words in one of my books. I also stated that a busy life is not necessarily a productive life. I think it is time for a refresher course on how to find God's balance in life because being out of balance is not a good thing. When our finances are out of balance, we hear from the bank. When the washer is out of balance, it dances across the floor. When the tires on our car are out of balance, the ride is rough. But when our life is out of balance, disaster is just around the corner.

As I was praying about this devotional, the Father brought to mind my elementary school days when the firemen came to our school to teach us what we should do in case we ever caught on fire. I remember the drill clearly. Stop! Drop! Roll! Let's apply that same drill to the area of balance.

Stop! When was the last time you stopped, got off the merry-go-round and out of the fast lane to take a long, hard look at your life? It is so easy to live each day just doing "the next thing" that comes along. The "one size fits all" mentality about life plans is from the pit and smells like smoke, girlfriend. God has a plan for your life that is unique and you are the only person who can be "you." Build on your strengths. Accept your limitations and yield to the seasons of life. Get in the Word and ask God to show you His plan.

Drop! Once you discover your life plan, eliminate anything that does not fit that plan. Learn to invest your time instead of just spending it or allowing others to steal it. Choose to budget your time just like you budget your money and learn to say "no" without feeling guilty. We are all responsible for how we spend the time God has given us. Every morning we are credited with 86,400 seconds. No balance is carried into the next day and every night erases what we fail to use.

Roll! Roll away the burdens you are carrying and learn the value of resting in God. Every opportunity to worry is also an opportunity to trust Him. I heard a story about a man who had to cross a wide river on the ice. He was afraid it might be too thin, so he began to crawl on his hands and knees in fear, thinking he would fall through the icy surface at any time. Just as he neared the opposite shore, exhausted and weak, another man glided past him sitting on a sled loaded with iron. The promises of God will not break under the weight of any problem or trial you will ever face. Take Him at His Word. Let God be God in your life and trust Him.

When Jesus was twelve years old, He traveled to Jerusalem with His parents for the annual Passover Celebration. When Mary and Joseph began the long trip home, they assumed Jesus was traveling with friends. When they realized Jesus was missing, their search found Him at the temple, teaching.

Don't miss this important truth. Jesus returned home with His parents and spent the next twenty years growing and maturing. Luke 2:52 tells us that "Jesus grew in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and men." Then in Luke 3, we see Jesus as He began His ministry on earth. Don't miss this important truth! Jesus grew mentally and emotionally, physically, spiritually and socially. His life was balanced – before He began His ministry. You may be waiting for your life to just fall into place, hoping that the things you are doing will achieve balance. The opposite is true. A powerful life comes from a balanced life. Now is the time for you to stop ... drop ... and roll.

Let's Pray
Father, I am tired. My life is out of control and I don't know what to do. Please help me examine my priorities by Your standards and expectations and live for Your pleasure and glory. I choose now to trust You, knowing that You are in control whether it looks like it or not. My faith is weak, Lord. Strengthen me to do what You created me to do.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Set aside time to come before God, in total surrender and with a willing heart. Ask Him to show you His plan. Choose to follow that plan now.

Stop: Read and memorize Psalm 139:16. Examine your priorities. Do they line up with God's priorities?

Drop: What activity or time consumer do you need to eliminate from your life? For example, how much time do you spend watching television or online? What would your life look like if you invested that time in studying the Bible, praying or serving God?

Roll: Exodus 31:17 says, "For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed." What does this verse say to you about the importance of rest?

2 Timothy 1:7 says, "God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control." What is your greatest fear? Give it to God today and trust Him.

More from the Girlfriends
I know it is hard to find the right balance in life. Only God can make that happen when we make the choice to let Him. Are you ready to make that choice? Know that we are praying for you and asking God to fill your life with peace and joy as you seek Him. We are with you, girlfriend.

Looking for a Bible Study that is both practical and powerful? Check out Mary's E-Book Bible Studies. Each one includes a study guide that you can download for your personal use or for a small group study.

Be sure to check out Mary's weekly Online Bible Study: How to Dress for Success. Enroll now and have access to all 2012 lessons. Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

June 27, 2012
I Want Someone to Love Me
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely" (Song of Solomon 2:14 NIV) (Today, read this verse as Jesus speaking to you, his bride.)

Friend to Friend
OK, let's talk some girlfriend talk. The subject – old boyfriends. In the eighth grade it was Mike Body who was as cute as he was quiet. I thought our "love" would last forever. It didn't. In the ninth grade it was Bill Pegram. He was two years older than me and his big blue eyes were the reason I joined the church youth choir. The music in my heart grew faint when he moved out of town the next year...but I stayed in the choir. In the tenth grade it was Jimmy Weeks, the football star. Our "romance" lasted from September until June when he broke my heart. I thought I would never recover until I caught a glimpse of Jim Byrd, the surfer boy, who rode a wave into my heart in the eleventh grade. That ended in a wipe out until the twelfth grade when a blind date grabbed my attention for the next three years.

Those teenage years can be quite dramatic and traumatic, but the search to know and be known doesn't end with high school graduation. And while the scenery along that journey changes with the years, the longing remains the same. We all want to know and be known by someone. We long to find that special person who will look deep into our souls and share our lives. And friend, I know just who you're looking for!

It doesn't matter if we're talking about the Samaritan woman at the well or the New York executive on Wall Street, human beings long to know and be known by someone on a personal and passionate level. And there is Someone who is pursuing you. His name is Jesus. He is the only One who can satisfy that inner longing to be completely known and sweetly loved. Could it be that you already have what you've always wanted? Do you know that He is pursuing you?

One of my pastors noted that 75-80% of college students who were actively involved in church in high school, fall away from the faith by their sophomore year of college. Thirty percent never return. Why? He believes one reason is overwhelming shame and guilt.

We only have to look at Adam and Eve who hid from God because of the shame and guilt of disobeying His one command. Then there was Moses who ran away from home and from God because of the shame and guilt of killing the Egyptian. But in each case, God pursued the ones who ran. And the first question recorded in the Bible was when God asked Adam and Eve, "Where are you?"

I don't know where your heart is today. Maybe you are still looking to people, possessions or power to fill that God-shaped void in your life. Maybe you are struggling with guilt and shame and are wondering if God even wants to have a relationship with you. Oh dear friend, as a girlfriend who has done her share of hiding, I can promise you that God is asking right now, "Where are you?"

He loves you. He longs to be in relationship with you. He desires to see your face. Go to Him. No, run to Him. He's waiting with open arms.

Let me ask you the question I asked earlier. Could it be that you already have what you've always wanted? I believe the answer is "yes."

Let's Pray
Dear God, sometimes I wonder why you even bother with me. I make so many mistakes. How thankful I am that You continue to pursue me even when I mess up. How blessed I am to know that You love me just the way I am, but too much to let me stay that way. I love you so much.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Do you believe that God is pursuing you?

Do you believe that God longs to have a relationship with you, no matter what you've done in the past?

Are you hiding?

If so, I want you to know that reading this devotion today is no accident. Most of my devotions are directly related to books that I have written, but not today. This one is just for you. If you could sense God speaking to you, then I'd love to know about it. Log onto  www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes and say, "This one was for me."

More from the Girlfriends
God has great dreams for you. He wants you to come out of hiding and begin the abundant life that He planned all along. If you'd like to learn more about His incredible plans for you, check out my book, The 5 Dreams of Every Women...and How God Wants to Fulfill Them. Your next great adventure is waiting just around the bend!

[Judy Harder]

June 28, 2012
Don't Quit!
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Galatians 6:9 "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up."

Friend to Friend
A great pianist was scheduled to perform for a small country town. Everyone in the town was excited since they rarely had the opportunity to hear a famous musician. A young mother was especially excited. Her son had been taking piano lessons and showed great promise. However, he hated to practice. His mother was hoping that if her son saw the great pianist perform, he would be motivated to take his music more seriously.

The night of the concert finally arrived, and it seemed as if everyone in town had come. As the young mother settled her son in his seat, her attention turned to the crowd pouring in. Everyone was dressed in their finest, and a buzz of excitement filled the concert hall. No one noticed the little boy as he slipped out of his seat and made his way down the aisle toward the stage. No one noticed the little boy as he walked onto the stage, climbed up on the piano stool and began to play "Chopsticks."

The concert hall fell silent as every eye turned toward the stage. People began to yell, "Where is that child's mother? How did he get on stage? Somebody get him down immediately! This is so embarrassing for our town!" The guest artist was standing in the wings, getting ready to make his entrance when he heard the shouts and saw and heard the little boy. Grabbing his jacket, the great pianist ran onto the stage, came up behind the little boy and placed his masterful hands on the keyboard beside the hands of the small child. The little boy was startled but did not move as the man whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't stop. Don't quit. Keep going." As the little boy began to play again, the great pianist began to play as well, composing a beautiful counter melody to "Chopsticks."

I know some of you are ready to give up and quit. Some mountain is standing between you and the dream you thought was sure to become a reality. You think God has lost track of where you are and what you are going through. He hasn't, girlfriend.

I know you don't understand why a loving God would allow so much pain to saturate this broken world and perpetuate such loss and hurt. I don't either. But God's ways are so much higher than my ways, and His thoughts are for my eternal good – not my temporary comfort. I am banking on eternity. I am counting on the character of God and His heart of unconditional, unmerited and undeserved love. God's forgiveness gives me the strength to get out of bed each morning, and His peace is my comfort in the dark, lonely night. Like you, I sometimes ask God why He has allowed a circumstance to exist. I have questioned His favor and allowed fear and worry to make me doubt His plan. And I have to tell you that I can now look back and see so many of the question marks yanked into exclamation points in my life. I am so thankful that He said "no" to so many of the prayers I desperately wanted Him to answer with "yes." He is God. He is able and He is more than enough.

No matter where you are today, know He is with you and that His heart is for you. Don't quit. He is not angry with you. You are His daughter, the apple of His eye and His cherished child. Don't give up. Right now, surrender all of your pain to Him. Shed your tears, knowing He will collect them all and one day pour them back into your life as a refreshing rain of restoration and healing. Keep going. Ask your questions, knowing Heaven is not in a panic and that your God really is who He says He is and will do what He has promised to do. He simply waits for you to trust Him.

Let's Pray
Father, I come to You like a child. My faith is small and my strength almost gone. I am desperate for You. I don't understand what is happening in my life, and I am ready to give up. I want to quit. Please don't let me, Lord. Give me Your strength and hope for today. Help me to keep going, trusting You every step of the way.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lordwith all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take" (NLT).

Record these verses in your journal. Circle each action word and then right out the plan you need to follow to trust God.

What "next step" do you need to take in order to begin again and trust God?

More from the Girlfriends
Check out Mary's E-Book Bible Study, Strength for the Storm, if you need help navigating the storm in your life. MP3 downloads, CDs and books are also available in Mary's online store along with FREE resourceson her site.

Looking for a Bible Study that is both practical and powerful? Check out Mary's E-Book Bible Studies. Each one includes a study guide that you can download for your personal use or for a small group study.

Be sure to check out Mary's weekly Online Bible Study: How to Dress for Success. Enroll now and have access to all 2012 lessons. Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

June 29, 2012
Accepting The Call
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching" (John 14:23, NIV).

Friend To Friend
There is a feature on my cell phone that allows me to decline an incoming call. There are a thousand reasons why I might choose to hit the "decline" button when my phone rings. Sometimes I am writing and have a deadline to make. Decline. Sometimes a call comes in when I'm mid-conversation with a friend or when I'm connecting with my family. Decline. At times, true confessions here, I decline a call simply because I don't want to talk to the person who's calling me at that moment. (C'mon, don't judge me.)

Similarly, there are times in my life when I try to ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit as if I were declining a cell phone call. Times when I just don't feel like doing what I know God wants me to do. Times when I don't want to hear the still small voice that whispers to my soul: "forgive him" – "release your anger" – "humble yourself and ask for forgiveness" or "focus on my plan for you ... not on my plan for another person."

One such time took place a few years back. It was after the final session at a three-day ministry event, I was focused and fervent, determined to head home to my husband and three children as quickly as possible. I busied myself wrapping microphone chords, loading CDs from my resource table, and prepping to leave. While I was mid-busy, a friendly thirty-something woman I'd chatted with previously that weekend came up to me with her friend. I was courteous to them, but in a "see-you-later, girlfriend" kind of way.

Not getting my subtle clues, this woman inquired excitedly about the book I was in the middle of writing. I lifted my head with surprise as she announced, "I can't wait to read your book! Your enthusiasm for the Lord is so contagious, and I just know you have an amazing testimony!" Then she and her friend stood there expectantly. Decline.



Okay, feel my pain here. It is day three of a three-day event! I was exhausted. I was done. Yet this woman and her friend wanted to hear my testimony. So, I did what any normal fleshy woman would do. I told God, Not now, Lord. I'm going home. I've done what I came to do and now I'm going home to my family. I'm tired, slightly grumpy, definitely hungry, and done. I can't tell these girls about my abortion right now. Nope. Not going to go there. Please don't ask me to!



So I looked up at these two sweet women and, with a forced chuckle, said, "Yeah, I've got a doozy of a story, but don't we all? Thank God for grace."

There! Now they should leave me alone, I thought.

But God kept nudging my heart. Tell them, Gwen.

Before I had a chance to continue my dialog with the Lord, another couple of women came to join our conversation. I was so not amused.

God, are You kidding me? We are done here! 
But He kept nudging.

So I finally conceded and shared my testimony with the six women who had gathered to speak to me. Within minutes, two of the six were crying. They'd had abortions as well and for years had lived under the weight of shame. We became a bonded band of blubbering sisters. The story of my redemption from brokenness and the beauty and healing I found in Christ had become a tool in the hands of God that afternoon. What had once been a wound became a weapon ... but only because I accepted the call. (Even if it did take me a while to concede.)

Jesus told his disciples that if they loved Him, they would obey His commands and His teachings (John 14:15-27). A simple if-then statement. If you love me, then you will obey. He also told them that when He returned to the Father in heaven, He would send the Holy Spirit to teach, to guide in truth, to convict of sin and to remind believers of what Jesus taught (John 16:7-14). To help us. To empower us.

The Spirit of God lives within every Christian. He equips us for each task as we yield to His leading. When God prompts us to do something on His behalf, He is faithful to lead the way and to bless our obedience – for His own glory. It's all about His glory. He simply wants our willingness and our obedience. Friend, His plans need to be our plans ... even if His plans sometimes seem to "interrupt" our plans. Let's be women who accept His call. Are you willing today?

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, Please forgive me for the times when I've chosen my plan over Your plan. Align my will to Yours and help me to express my love for You by obeying your Word and by responding to the promptings of Your Spirit.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Can you think of a time when you sensed that God was leading you to do something? How did you respond?

Is there something He is calling you to do today? Are you withholding forgiveness from someone? Are you aware of a need that God wants you to meet? Does He want you end a toxic relationship? Spend a few minutes in prayer about this.

More from the Girlfriends
God calls each of us to use our lives to point to His hope. Right before He ascended into heaven, Jesus said, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8, emphasis added.) That call—that commission—will look different for each of us. GiGs, what does this look like for you today? Let's talk about it on my Facebook page. Leave a comment or thought on my wall at www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic.

Portions of today's devotion are taken from Gwen's book, Broken Into Beautiful. Her full testimony is featured in the book, along with Scriptural truths and stories of how God has brought restoration the hearts of many other women who had painful life wounds. God delights to transform lives ... including your own. Experience God's healing and hope in your life today as you read Broken Into Beautiful. To order the book online, please visit Gwen's website or grab a copy from Amazon or your favorite Christian bookstore.

[Judy Harder]

July 2, 2012
The Love of God
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
1 John 4:8-10 (NIV) "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love to us: He sent his one and only Son into the world so that we could have life through him. This is what real love is: It is not our love for God; it is God's love for us in sending his Son to be the way to take away our sins."

Friend to Friend
I believe that much of our stress is the result of a constant and innate quest to be loved and to love. The problems come when we look in the wrong places for love. When we know God, we know love. When we experience His unconditional love, we are then freed and empowered to love ourselves and others. I have personally discovered that it is just downright frustrating and completely impossible to live the Christian life when you are not a Christian. I tried.

For years, I desperately struggled to be a Christian with only head knowledge of who God was and wanted to be in my life. The result was a pitifully shallow existence with stress and frustration as my constant companions.

I grew up in a Christian home, attending church every time the doors were open. I sang all the right songs, spoke all the right words and did all the right things in front of all the right people. I fervently prayed that my works would validate my faith and desperately hoped that by following the rules, I would please the Ruler. It was not until middle school that the spiritual integrity of a dynamic youth pastor made me hunger and thirst for something more. I wanted to know God. I needed to experience the unconditional love of God.

During a special Saturday evening church service, I sat in my usual spot, clutching the back of the pew in front of me while wrestling with God over the condition of my soul and my eternal security. After all, I was a very active church member, a soloist and pianist for our worship services, and even directed a children's choir. How embarrassing to walk down that aisle, admitting to everyone that I'd been living a lie.

My mind argued that I knew all about God – and then the deeper truth of that argument hit me. Yes, I knew about Him but I didn't know Him. His perfect love settles for nothing less than an intimate and loving relationship with his children.

That night I met Jesus! I surrendered all that I knew about myself to all that I knew about Him. While the course of my life was changed forever, I quickly discovered that I still had to deal with life on a daily basis and still had to face stressful situations. The difference was that God's love preceded me, surrounded and sustained me as I lived each day. Knowing we are loved fosters contentment and peace in our hearts, and when our hearts are filled with peace, there is little room for stress.

We come into this world longing for unconditional love. Our very souls hunger for a love that is authentic, constant, unchanging and with no strings attached. Our hearts dream of love being given freely, eternally and beyond measure. After exhausting every possible source we reason that there is no such love, settling for shallow substitutes that leave us empty and broken.

But God came -- a perfect man into an imperfect world. And because He came, real love not only exists but is available to you right now, just as you are -- through a personal relationship with God. When we know Him – we know love – because God is love.

Just as we cannot earn the love of God or buy it with good works, neither can we lose His love nor can it be stolen from us. All we can do is accept it, allowing it to saturate and transform every part of who we are. It is in that moment of turning everything we know about ourselves over to everything we know about Him that we are bound by His love. And nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from that stubborn God love.

Let's Pray
Father God, I desperately need You and the power of Your love. Right now I surrender my life to You and invite You to take full control. Thank You, Lord.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Carefully read the following steps. Are you ready to take each one? God is waiting -- arms open wide – just for you.

Acknowledge your desperate need for the love of God.
Accept His love for you.
Lay down your old way of life.
Invite God to come into your life, surrendering complete control to Him.
Celebrate His love and the new life it brings.

More from the Girlfriends
For more help on your journey to know God, check out Mary's E-Book Bible Study, How to Find Your Missing Peace. MP3 downloads, CDs and books are also available in Mary's online store along with FREE resources on her site.

Looking for a Bible Study that is both practical and powerful? Check out Mary's E-Book Bible Studies. Each one includes a study guide that you can download for your personal use or for a small group study.

Be sure to check out Mary's weekly Online Bible Study. Enroll now and have access to all 2012 lessons. Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

July 3, 2012
The Guestbook
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody," - (2 Corinthians 3:2 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Just before leaving our rented condominium after a week of sun, sand, and surf, at Hilton Head Island, SC, we found a treasure tucked under some old magazines on the coffee table. It was a 6 X 8 inch white guest book, signed by previous vacationers who had also shared a relaxing week away from home.

Feeling somewhat like a "peeping Tom" craning to peer into someone's window, we cracked open the book and stole a glimpse into the personalities of our fellow travelers.  With each entry, we visualized what the guests looked like, decided if we would like to invite them over for dinner, and surmised whether they had an enjoyable vacation together.

Have a look for yourself and decide with whom you would like to share a cup of coffee or would like to have as your neighbor:

·         "Thank you very much for the use of your condo. We thoroughly enjoyed our first, but not last visit to S.C."

·         "Had a great time. Enjoyed your villa very much! However, you need to have the springs in the couch repaired. Very uncomfortable to sit on. Thank you."

·         "We have decided that this is where we'd love to live. It's a golfer's dream. Your courses are beautiful. The girls loved the beach, parasailing, bike rides, horseback riding, shopping! I love my tan. We will be back to visit! If you are ever in Arkansas, come to Stuttgart. We are 50 miles east of Little Rock. Stuttgart hosts the World Championship Duck Calling Contest every year during Thanksgiving weekend. We are known as the "Rice and Duck Capital of the World." Riceland Rice comes from our little town and the ducks feed off of the rice fields during the winter after harvest.  It is some of the best duck hunting anywhere. Thank you for the use of your condo.  We've had a great week here."

·         "We really enjoyed your villa, but we won't be staying here again. We just booked another villa at Colonnade for next year a couple of doors down for almost $300 less."

·         "Hello.  My name is Amanda and I got here yesterday. So far we are having a good time. I'm eleven-years-old and I came here with my mother, grandmother, and my Aunt Loretta. She got here at the same time we did, but she is leaving tomorrow. We came all the way from Lake Wylie, S. C. I love it here and might be back next year.

·         "It has been a fabulous time. This villa is bigger than our home!  My niece is sure she saw a whale at the Old Oyster Factory, but we are sure she saw a buoy. Greg and Dad played golf together and we all played mini-golf. We went bike riding and "gator chasing." The ocean is breathtaking. I've never seen it before, so I'm still in awe!

"When we first came, the keys wouldn't fit, you forgot to give us a pass, and we almost ran over a biker. Get better service! Two grandmas were with us! Sixth time here - never happened before."

The Bible tells us that we are simply visitors here on earth (1 Chronicles 29:15).  The words we speak are also our entries in the Guestbook of Life.

What entries am I writing with my attitudes, actions and words for the world to see?  Will they think that I was a crabby old lady who wanted better service? Will they think I savored each day here with my wonderful family? Will they think that I would have preferred another life just a few doors down? Or will they think that I so enjoyed my time here that I wanted to share it with anyone and everyone who was passing through?

Do you want to know what we wrote in the Guestbook before we left?

"Thank you for the use of your beach home. July fourth is a time to celebrate our great country with its many freedoms. Our hope for all who follow us here is that you will know the freedom which comes from knowing the Truth that sets us all free (John 8:32)."  Steve, Sharon and Steven Jaynes

Matthews, NC

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, Your Word tells me that I am a letter being read by everyone. I pray that I won't be junk mail today. I pray that I won't be like a bill making people feel like they owe me. I pray that I will be a love letter, a thank you note, and an invitation to celebrate life.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What are you leaving in the guestbook of life for all to read?

What would youlike to be leaving in the guestbook of life for all to read?

Go ahead, write it down?

Now, live this day as if you were a walking, talking letter from God to everyone you come in contact with!

Here's your chance to start today. Click over to my blog page and leave a comment about one thing you enjoyed about yesterday or this day.

More from the Girlfriends
We are walking, talking letters to the world, telling them and showing them about what Jesus is like. Yikes! The Bible calls us Ambassadors. If you need to improve the quality of your letter, you might want to read The Power of a Woman's Words to learn about the people we impact, the power we possess, and the potential to change. Just click on the link or go to www.sharonjaynes.com.