Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

July 4, 2012
Making Right Choices
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Don't turn off the road of goodness; keep away from evil paths (Proverbs 4:27, NLT).

Friend to Friend
I have learned a lot from the people God has put in my life over the years, but some of my greatest teachers have been and are our children and grandchildren.

Our son-in-law was sharing a recent experience he had at dinner with our three-year-old grandson, Justus. Evidently, our daughter had asked Justus to do something during the day. Justus flashed his most charming smile and promptly did the opposite of what his mother asked him to do, proud of his toddler version of defiance. His mother was not as pleased. She corrected him and shared the experience with her husband.

That night, over dinner, Sam said, "Justus, did Momma ask you to do something today?" Justus immediately remembered the incident and lowered his head. "Yes, daddy, she did." Sam gently continued, "Son, we have to do what Momma says, okay? We have to make good choices." Justus thought for a moment. You could almost see the mental wheels turning as he contemplated the words of his dad. With a sigh and fierce conviction Justus responded, "But Daddy, I don't wike making right choices!" And there you have it. The perfect description of the battle between our old nature and the new nature we receive when we surrender our lives to God. It is the beginning of an internal civil war between obedience and disobedience to God. And if you are like Justus ... and his Mimi ... there are times when you don't like making the right choice either.

At the close of the sermon, a church member came forward to speak with the pastor. He was very upset because of the sin in his life and his blatant disobedience to God. With tears streaming down his face, the repentant man took the pastor's hand to confess that his life was full of sin, but what came out was, "My sin is full of life." I can relate.

I don't know about you, but my sin is definitely "full of life." I am always amused but also saddened by people who think that just because I am in full time ministry, I am holier than they are, better than they are or don't have to battle sin like they do. Just ask my husband and children. They will blow that theory right out of the water. The fact is, as long as I live in this fallen world and sport this frail humanity, I will wrestle with sin and making right choices.

However, I have refined several tactics for dealing with my sinful nature. Rationalization is one of my personal favorites. And there is always the handy comparison ploy – measuring my sin against the sin of another. At times, I subscribe to the popular "bury it and hope it will go away" tactic. The reality is that nothing satisfies the payment sin demands except the blood of Jesus Christ, and my response to His sacrifice in true, unadulterated repentance -- on my face before my Holy God.

When we turn our lives over to God, He sets our feet on the right path. But to stay on that path requires a continual choice to run from sin. With our flawed choices, we take side trips, create detours and wind up on the wrong road headed in the wrong direction. Solomon warns us to stay away from evil paths. "Don't turn off the road of goodness; keep away from evil paths" (Proverbs 4:27, NLT). "Keep away" literally means "to turn aside or drag from." In other words, when we see sin or even the opportunity to sin, we should turn around and run in the opposite direction. We should "drag ourselves" away from sin. What do we do instead? We flirt with sin. We want to be delivered from temptation but would really like to keep in touch. We pray for God to "lead us not into temptation" and then deliberately place ourselves in its path. In our arrogance, we think we can handle sin and the temptation to sin on our own. That very attitude is an open invitation for the enemy, daring him to take his best shot. 

My husband, Dan, was the pastor of Flamingo Road Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for many years. A man of great wisdom, Dan was adamant about the fact that neither he nor his staff should ever put themselves in a situation that flirted with sin or made it easier to sin. Solid wooden office doors were replaced with glass doors. No pastor was allowed to meet with a woman for any reason unless one of the other staff members was present. A staff counselor was hired to handle anyone needing more than one counseling session. The staff often went to lunch following their regular Tuesday morning staff meeting and even though the restaurant was literally across the street from the church, no man was allowed to ride alone with a woman. Sound ridiculous?  Seem absurd? Not at all! Dan simply refused to provide ammunition for the enemy. The bottom line is that it's foolish and dangerous to flirt with sin.

There is no holding pattern for believers nor can we live in a neutral state. We are either going forward or backward. We are either being renewed or consumed. Girlfriend, do not relinquish any more life territory to the enemy. Run from sin ... and commit to making right choices.

Let's Pray
Father, forgive me for the sin in my life. Right now, I choose to turn away from that sin. I turn to You, Lord. I know that I am lost and totally helpless without You. Thank You for the unconditional love and unending forgiveness that I find in You. Give me the strength and wisdom to make right choices that please and honor You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it" (NIV).

Consider the following promises found in 1 Corinthians 10:13. What do they mean to you and how do they apply to your life?

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.
God is faithful.
He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
He will provide a way out.
More from the Girlfriends
While it is true that we all face many temptations every single day, it is just as true that God will strengthen us to withstand each one. Need help? Mary's E-Book Bible Study, Winning the War with Temptation, offers five steps you can take to help you resist temptation and live a life of victory.

If you need help learning how to understand and apply the truths of God, enroll in Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

July 5, 2012
The Stone Unthrown
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her," (John 8:7 NIV).

Friend to Friend
"What are we going to do with this Jesus," the chief priest asked the group. "He is going about healing people left and right. Everywhere I go the buzz is about Jesus. It's Jesus this, and Jesus that. And the crowds are calling him the Messiah! Everyone knows that the Messiah will not come from Galilee. If we don't get rid of him, we are going to have an insurrection on our hands."

"And ever since the buzz about him multiplying a few loaves and fish to feed over 5,000 people has circulated, his followers have multiplied as well. He must be stopped."       

"I have an idea," Lucius responded with a gleam in his eye. "I happen to know a certain married man who is sleeping with his mistress at this very moment. I happened to see him slink into her house last night."

And as the hard-hearted Pharisees gathered round, a spiteful plan to trick Jesus began to unfold.

The sun was just peeking through the securely locked shutters of Morah's bedroom window. The predawn stillness was broken only by the songs of early rising birds floating on the breeze.  Morah was a tangle of sheets, arms and legs as the man she loved lay sleeping beside her.

"Oh, Zachariah," she whispered as her fingertips brushed a stray lock of hair from his closed eyes.  "If only you weren't married. I know this is wrong, but I love you so. And I have to believe you when you say you love me as well. We are risking our very lives with these frequent trysts."

Morah's musings were suddenly interrupted by a banging on the door.

"Open up!" the gruff voice demanded.

"Who is there?" Morah cried as she scrambled to find her robe.

"Open up or we'll break the door down."

"What's all the commotion," Zachariah mumbled as he groggily sat up in bed. "What's going on?"

Before Morah could even think to answer, the angry mob of religious men broke through the simple lock and into the lovers' hideaway.

"What is the meaning of this?" Zachariah barked. "What do you think you are doing?"

"What do you think you are doing, my friend," the Pharisee countered. "That is the real question here."

"Morah, daughter of Omar, you are under arrest for adultery under the Law of Moses!" the moral police spat.  "Get dressed and come with me."

The Pharisee tossed Morah her night robe, but failed to turn his head as she slipped her trembling frame from the cover of the sheets and into the thin cloak. He grabbed her by the arm and began dragging her to the door.

"Where are you taking me?" she cried.

"You'll find out soon enough," the Pharisee growled.

"What about Zachariah?" the youngest man of the group inquired.

"Just leave him," the Pharisee replied.  "We don't need him."

"Why don't you go back to your wife where you belong," the Pharisee called over his shoulder as the group left the room. And with that, the conspiring mob continued their trek to the temple with the half-clad trembling woman in tow. Two men flanked the weeping woman on either side, dragging her through the early morning hustle and bustle of the city. The bait was hooked, and now it was time to reel in the catch.

Like mice following the Pied Piper, a curious stream of townsfolk joined the parade.  Jesus was already teaching in the courtyard with a group gathered at his feet. As always, Jesus' message and miracles drew large crowds. A distant rumble interrupted his gentle teaching as the angry mob and curious crowd approached. They marched right into the inner circle of the classroom and thrust the woman at the Master's feet.

Morah's unbound hair fell around her bare shoulders and fluttered in the early morning breeze.  Her shame-filled eyes stayed riveted on the earthen floor, refusing to meet Jesus' gaze. Then one of the men pulled her to her feet and displayed her for all to see.

She didn't need to look at the man before her. She recognized his voice. It was Jesus.

"Teacher," the pious Pharisee began, "this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The Law of  Moses commands us to stone such a woman. Now what do you say?"

Jesus didn't look at the woman's half-clad body as the others openly gawked. He looked into her soul.

Morah lifted her eyes and looked into the face of love.  What do I detect in his gaze? She thought to herself. It wasn't contempt, disgust, or condemnation, but rather compassion, concern, and pure, unadulterated love. Somehow she knew that this was the look she had been searching for her entire life.

As Morah listened to the Pharisee's question, she understood Jesus' dilemma. If he set her free, the Pharisees would accuse him of ignoring the Law of Moses and deem him a heretic. If he sentenced her to death by stoning, then his teachings of grace and forgiveness would be negated.

The religious leaders already held the stones in their clenched fists, anticipating his reply. Their hearts were as hard as the rocks they held in their hands. But rather than give a quick answer, Jesus moved his gaze from the trembling woman and stooped to the ground.  With his finger, the very hand of God-made-man, he began writing in the dirt.  A frigid chill swept through the Pharisees pious robes. Suddenly they felt the rawness of naked exposure as Jesus' eyes looked up at each of them and without a word, uncloaked their sinful thoughts and desires. With one look from Jesus, they stood soul bare and more exposed than the half-dressed woman before them.

Everyone held their breath. The silence was deafening. The tension was palpable. Finally, Jesus rose and delivered the verdict.

"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."

Then Jesus squatted once again and continued to write.

One-by-one the Pharisees unclenched their fists, dropped the stones, and filtered through the crowd. The older men who had accumulated a longer list of sins turned to leave first, with the younger ones not far behind.

The remaining crowd listened closely as the drama continued to unfold.  After the last of the Pharisees cleared the scene, Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are your accusers?  Has no one condemned you?"

"No one, sir," she replied.

"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

The woman turned to leave, but not before picking up a discarded stone to take with her.

"To remember," she whispered.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, this story of Your great mercy and grace takes my breath away. Just to think that the only person qualified to throw the stone was the very One who set her free. Help me to always remember that You have forgiven me of my sins. Help me to drop the stones I so quickly pick up to cast at others and extend to them the same grace You have extended to me.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
I hope your heart was stirred with the re-telling of this amazing story. We don't know the woman's name. I have simply called her Morah so we can paint a picture of a real woman with a real problem in our minds. Now let me ask a few questions...

When is the last time you held a rock of condemnation in your hand? Not a real rock, but a judgmental attitude?

When is the last time you acted like the Pharisees who were so quick to condemn?

Who do you want to be like, Jesus who showed grace and forgiveness, or the Pharisees who wanted to give her what she deserved?

If you can remember a time when Jesus showed you the same mercy and grace, click over to my blog page, and tell why you thank Jesus for the stone unthrown. Just leave your comment in the comment box under this devo/blog entry.

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from my book, What God Really Thinks about Women: Finding Your Significance through the Women Jesus Encountered. We tend to read the gospels with our twenty-first century eyes.  But when we understand how oppressive the culture Jesus stepped into was against women, we begin to understand just how radical Jesus' ministry, messages, and miracles were at setting women free. He risked His reputation to save theirs...and yours.

I am so passionate about this book that I'm giving away the Bible study guide free to all my GiGs who order the book this week. (Only the week this runs) All you have to do is email me that you've ordered the book on my website, and I'll include the Bible Study guide for free.

[Judy Harder]

July 6, 2012
The Stinky Sour Sippy Cup
Gwen Smith

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

Friend to Friend
As a songwriter and recording artist, I travel back and forth from my home in Charlotte to Nashville, Tennessee when I record a CD project. One summer when I had ventured to Music City to finish up a CD project, my girlfriend, Kerri, and I had spent the last day of my trip in a studio recording background vocals.  When we were finished, I had to high-tail it to the airport in order to catch my flight home.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Does your life-attitude give off an aroma of Christ? What about your employee-attitude, mom-attitude or your friendship-attitude? Are your children, husband and/or friends drawn to God as a result of the love and peace you display? Do your conversations consistently honor Him, embody the fruit of the Spirit, and expel the fragrance of life ... or are they sometimes laced with harsh tones, anger, complaining, or impatience?  It's time to locate and throw away our stinky, sour attitudes, and ask the Lord to renew our minds.  Let's run the race before us as women of honor who, through the power of the Holy Spirit, give off an aroma of Christ to everyone around us.

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

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

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

What did today's devotion remind you of? Please come to my Facebook page today and share your heart and your story or thoughts with me. www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic.

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

[Judy Harder]

July 9, 2012
Standing Firm in the Storms of Life Part 1
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
2 Corinthians 6:6 (NLT) "We have proved ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, our sincere love, and the power of the Holy Spirit."

Friend to Friend
Just as storms in life are a certainty, so is the provision of God. Life can be messy and bad things will happen, but every crisis and every storm is also an opportunity to trust God. He calls us to a heavenly perspective when facing challenging times. He calls us to see the storms of life as He sees them -- opportunities for His power and purpose to be illustrated in human terms. How can we face the storms of life in a way that honors God?

First truth: Live a pure life.
2 Corinthians 6:6 (NLT) "We have proved ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience."

The apostle Paul was certainly no stranger to storms. In his writings to the church at Corinth, Paul lists several actions we can take to survive and even thrive in those storms. Notice that purity is listed first. Paul is sending a clear and certain message. Integrity and power for daily life are the result of a heart committed to purity. A clean heart unleashes the authority of God in us and through us. Impurity corrodes stability while purity generates a supernatural strength. It is that power and stability that keeps us from falling.

Psalm 51:10 (NASB) "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

The Psalmist links a pure heart with a steadfast spirit. "Steadfast" literally means "fixed or unchanging" and defines the kind of strength that can only be found in a right relationship with God. Stability is essential when those blustery winds of life's storms are raging. Some storms come to uncover that cherished sin we try so hard to bury. But make no mistake, the purpose of the storm is always to purify – then empower. If we refuse to deal with the sin in our life, God will urge us toward obedience by allowing the storms to come.

Second truth:  Seek understanding.
2 Corinthians 6:6 (NLT) "We have proved ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience."

Understanding is only as good as its place of origin. Human understanding is limited and tainted while Godly understanding is infinite and unspoiled. Our greatest lessons are learned in the fiercest storms. I know you have heard that statement many times – but are those words a living reality in your life?

A teacher was asked a question by one of his students who had come across Deuteronomy 6:6 that says, "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts." The student asked, "Why does it say to put God's commandments upon our hearts instead of in our hearts?" The wise teacher responded, "It is not within man's power to deposit truth directly into his heart. All we can do is place truth on the surface of the heart so that when the heart breaks, it will fall in."

Every circumstance that results in brokenness is designed to produce greater self-control and a fresh perspective. We can face every storm with confidence, knowing that God will redeem it for understanding and truth.       

Third truth:  Learn to be patient.
2 Corinthians 6:6 (NLT) "We have proved ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience."

I must confess that I am not the epitome of patience. In fact, I hate to wait – on anyone or anything – which may very well explain the presence of certain storms and trials in my life. James had the same problem but a much better attitude.

James 1:2-4 (NIV) "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

I tend to consider it pure joy when I can escape trials of many kinds, but James tells us that trials can and should be faced with patience and an attitude of joy. Not joy for the trials but joy in the trials. Don't miss this vital truth. Joy is deeply-rooted confidence that God is in control. Joy is a chosen attitude and understands that trials are not punishment.

Take a $5 bar of steel. If you cut that bar into ordinary horseshoes, it is worth about $10. That same $5 bar of steel cut into needles is worth $350 but cut into delicate springs for watches, that same $5 bar of steel is worth $250,000.

Trials are a test, a measurement of growth. Patience gives God permission to work and even expects to be tested.We go to great lengths to avoid trials and shelter ourselves from the storms of life. The result is spiritual immaturity. God will not build our character without our cooperation and He will not work in us without our permission. We must surrender, invite Him to work and then by faith, patiently embrace that work in our life.  Warren Wiersbe writes, "When God permits his children to go through the furnace, He keeps his eye on the clock and his hand on the thermostat." Doubt puts our circumstance between us and God while faith puts God between us and our circumstances. Patience comes when we give up the responsibility for the outcome to God.

Let's Pray
Thank You, Father, for Your faithfulness in my life. Sometimes my motives are not pure and are so often self-serving. Right now, please cleanse my heart of all sin. Give me eyes to see the treasure buried at the heart of every trial and help me to choose joy -- even when I don't understand what You are doing in my life. Teach me, Lord. Let my life be an illustration of Your strength perfected in my weakness.   
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now it's Your Turn
Read Hebrews 12:12 (The Message) "So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs."

What does it mean in your life to "take a new grip" and "stand firm" even on shaky legs?

Do you really believe we can experience joy – even in the midst of the fiercest storm?  Explain.

Looking back at the storms in your life, how would you rate your response to those storms? What changes do you need to make in order to experience victory?

More from the Girlfriends
I know your trials are many and that you have been battered by some brutal storms. But more importantly, God knows. In Him, you can be a storm survivor!  And when you are face to face with a storm, you are standing on the edge of a miracle. Don't tell God how big your storm is. Tell your storm how big your God is! Stand firm!

Mary's message, Strength for the Storm, is available in Video download, CD, and MP3. A daily time alone with God in prayer and Bible study will strengthen you to face whatever life throws at you. Check out my weekly online Bible study, Light for the Journey, for practical ways to tap into the power of God's Word. Enroll now and have access to all 2012 lessons. FREE MP3s on Mary's website in the Freebies Section!

Do you or someone you love struggle with depression? Mary's book, Hope in the Midst of Depression, offers practical steps you can take to get out and stay out of that pit. Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

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


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

[Judy Harder]

July 10, 2012
Then Neither do I Condemn You
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin"
(John 8:11 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Remember the story of the woman caught in adultery recorded in John 8:1-11? If you aren't familiar with it, go back and read it in John 8 or visit my blog and read a re-telling of the story titled The Stone Unthrown - www.sharonjaynes.com.

To recap, the Pharisees had brought this half-dressed woman to Jesus right in the middle of his teaching and tried to snare him in a trap. Should she be stoned or set free? As this woman listened to the Pharisee's question Jesus, she understood his dilemma. If he set her free, the Pharisees would accuse him of ignoring the Law of Moses and deem him a heretic. If he sentenced her to death by stoning, then his teachings of grace and forgiveness would be negated.

The religious leaders already held the stones in their clenched fists, anticipating his reply. Their hearts were as hard as the rocks they held in their hands. But rather than give a quick answer, Jesus moved his gaze from the trembling woman and stooped to the ground. With his finger, the very hand of God-made-man, he began writing in the dirt. A frigid chill swept through the Pharisees pious robes. Suddenly they felt the rawness of naked exposure as Jesus' eyes looked up at each of them and without a word, uncloaked their sinful thoughts and desires. With one look from Jesus, they stood soul bare and more exposed than the half-clad woman before them.

Everyone held their breath. The silence was deafening. The tension was palpable. Finally, Jesus rose and delivered the verdict.

"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."

Then Jesus squatted once again and continued to write.

One-by-one the Pharisees unclenched their fists, dropped the stones, and filtered through the crowd. The older men who had accumulated a longer list of sins turned to leave first, with the younger ones not far behind.

After the last of the Pharisees cleared the scene, Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are your accusers?  Has no one condemned you?"

"No one, sir," she replied.

"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

Now, let's bring this story home. Imagine yourself standing before God on your day of judgment.  You know all that you have done. Satan is pacing back and forth reading your long list of sins.  But then Jesus steps forward and takes the list from the accuser. Looking over the accusations he begins: "I paid for this one, and this one, and this one, and this one...."

Finally, reaching the end of Satan's meticulously penned and amazingly accurate enumeration of all your shortcomings, Jesus begins to tear the paper into shreds. He cups the pieces of the destroyed list of failures in his nail-scarred hands and then, with the breath of grace, blows them as far as the east is from the west. Wiping his hands together as if completing a work, he glances back over to the Judge, "All gone," he says with a smile.

Satan grumbles under his sulfurous breath, and slinks back to his darkened cave - foiled again.           

God looks up and asks you, "Has no one condemned you?"

"No one, sir," you reply.

"Then enter my eternal kingdom and find rest."

Friend, if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and if you are still feeling condemned, know that condemnation is not coming from God. Our enemy, the devil, is called the "accuser of the brothers," and he is the accuser of the sisters too. The Bible tells us that he marches before God accusing believers night and day (Revelation 12:11). "She did this and she did that and this and that and this," he hisses.

And God replies "Really?  I don't remember? "

Then He looks at you with a welcoming smile.

Let's Pray
Dear God, Thank You for forgiving me of my sins. Thank You for washing me clean. Thank You that when the enemy accuses me before You, Jesus steps forward to announce He's paid my debt and set me free.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Do you truly believe that God has forgiven you of your sins? If you're not sure, read 1 John 1:9.

Notice the last thing Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery. What was it?

Jesus wasn't saying that what she did was OK. He called sin a sin. Could it be that He is saying the same to you in a particular area of your life today? (Sorry. I just had to go and make it personal, didn't I?  But that's what girlfriends are for!)

What is the one thing about today's story that speaks to you the most? Share your answer on my blog page. Just click over and leave your thoughts in the comment box under this devo/blog entry.

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from my book, What God Really Thinks about Women: Finding Your Significance through the Women Jesus Encountered. We tend to read the gospels with our twenty-first century eyes. But when we understand how oppressive the culture Jesus stepped into was against women, we begin to understand just how radical Jesus' ministry, messages, and miracles were at setting women free. He risked His reputation to save theirs...and yours.  Click on www.sharonjaynes.com to watch an introductory video that is about the great lengths Jesus went took to set women free.

[Judy Harder]

July 11, 2012
Standing Firm in the Storms of Life Part 2
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
2 Corinthians 6:6 (NLT) "We have proved ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, our sincere love, and the power of the Holy Spirit."

Friend to Friend
It would be just fine with me if I never had to go through another storm. However, God is more committed to my character than He is to my comfort. Every storm is an opportunity to grow in Christ and trust Him more.

The Apostle Paul was well acquainted with vicious storms and harsh realities. In his writings to the church at Corinth Paul offers five truths that - when applied - will enable us to stand firm in the storm.

Truth 1:  Live a pure life.
Truth 2:  Seek understanding.
Truth 3:  Learn to be patient.
Truth 4:  Practice kindness.

When bad things happen, we cry out in desperation for someone to care. More people come to Christ during a crisis than at any other time. Kindness is simply compassion at work and love in action. We need to constantly refocus our success-targeted eyes, crucify each self-promoting heart motive and look for the needs around us. I often wonder just how amazed we will be when we get to Heaven and find the unlikely, unknown but devoted servants of God exalted above all others – rewarded for their quiet and often unseen acts of kindness.

A preacher once described his mother as a woman of great compassion. One day he came home from school to find her sitting at the table with an elderly, homeless man. Apparently, she had gone shopping, met the man on the way and invited him home for a warm meal. During their conversation the visitor said, "I wish there were more people in the world like you." The woman said quickly, "Oh there are! You just have to look for them!"  The old man simply shook his head and smiled, "But lady, I didn't need to look for you. You looked for me!"

Needs constantly parade before us day after day but we don't see them. We are too busy to see the broken lambs the Shepherd sends our way. We view them as intrusions or annoying interruptions in our very important schedule. These uninvited and unscheduled guests may very well be divine appointments sent by God. The warning of Hebrews 13:2 is a haunting one. "Remember to welcome strangers, because some who have done this have welcomed angels without knowing it." How many angels have we missed because we were too busy?

Perhaps we fail to be kind simply because we don't care enough. A little girl was sent by her mother on an errand. She was gone far too long so when the little girl returned, the mother demanded an explanation. The little girl said that on her way she had met a friend who was crying because she had broken her doll. "Oh," said the mother, "then you stopped to help her fix her doll?" "Oh, no!" replied the little girl. "I stopped to help her cry!" We are never more like our Father than when weathering relationship storms with kindness and love.  Jesus says that if we really love God we will really love each other. Kindness and compassion are directly related to the health of our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The truths in 1 John 4:20 are clear, "If people say, 'I love God,' but hate their brothers or sisters, they are liars. Those who do not love their brothers and sisters, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have never seen." We can be very religious and not care enough. Kindness does not look for reasons. Compassion doesn't ask for limitations. It searches for opportunity.

Truth 5:  Experience and practice love.
We not only need God in the midst of the storm, we need each other. The essence of love is tested within the context of relationships. Paul writes that we must "prove" ourselves by being patient and kind. How we handle relationships exhibits the depth and validity of God's love at work in and through us.     

Ephesians 4: 2-3 (NCV) "Always be humble, gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love. You are joined together with peace through the Spirit, so make every effort to continue together in this way."

Learning to build healthy relationships is crucial to a fulfilled life. Someone will always be disappointed, disgruntled, or displeased with us. We have a choice to make – to honor God by waging peace or venerate Satan himself by entertaining conflict in relationships. God is committed to unity. If we don't make "every effort" to eradicate discord, a storm may come to help us do so.

I have a friend who raises and works with horses. She once explained how a group of thoroughbred horses confronts an enemy. They stand in a circle, facing each other and, with their back legs, kick out at the enemy.  Donkeys do just the opposite, facing the enemy and kicking each other. Enough said.

When golf balls were first manufactured, their covers were smooth. Golfers soon discovered that after a ball had been roughed up a bit they were able to get more distance out of it. Manufacturers then began producing golf balls with dimpled covers. Life is a lot like that. It takes some rough spots to make us go our farthest. It takes some storms to teach us that God is faithful. When was the last time you threw a party to celebrate a trial or storm in your life? 

James 1:2-3 (NLT) "Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."

God's ways are higher than our ways and most human reactions are in direct opposition to the paradoxical ways of God. Honestly, there are times when what He has asked me to do simply does not make sense – to me. And there we find the problem. Faith is a matter of blind obedience, not human logic. At the heart of every storm is victory – waiting to be claimed!

What storm is raging in your life today? What step do you need to take in order to experience His strength for that storm? Your Father stands ready to meet you in your darkest hour. He longs to wrap His arms around you until the winds die down and the waves are stilled. Right now – surrender. Celebrate the storm that dashed your battered life on the shores of His unyielding love and let Him give you the strength to stand firm. 

Let's Pray
Lord, thank You for being with me every step of the way – especially in the storms of life. I praise You for Your sufficiency in my life and for Your love that never fails. I pray that I will learn how to stand firm in the storms ahead and grasp the lesson each storm holds. I want to please You, Father. Change my comfortable heart to an obedient heart, a heart that is always ready to praise You – no matter what!
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now it's Your Turn
When you face a difficult situation, where do you turn first for help?
What is your attitude about the storms in your life? How does that attitude need to change?
Examine your life for any sin that is blocking God's power. How can you eliminate that barrier?
How can you best prepare for the storms ahead?

More from the Girlfriends
I hate storms, but have finally come to terms with the fact that they are certain. So is God's deliverance.  Sometimes He delivers us from the storm and other times He delivers us in the storm. Either way, God is with us.

Mary's message, Strength for the Storm, is available in Video download, CD, and MP3. A daily time alone with God in prayer and Bible study will strengthen you to face whatever life throws at you. Check out my weekly online Bible study, Light for the Journey, for practical ways to tap into the power of God's Word. Enroll now and have access to all 2012 lessons. FREE MP3s on Mary's website in the Freebies Section!

Do you or someone you love struggle with depression? Mary's book, Hope in the Midst of Depression, offers practical steps you can take to get out and stay out of that pit. Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

July 12, 2012
Jesus' Celestial Day-Timer
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Now he [Jesus] had to go through Samaria," (John 4:4 NIV).

Friend to Friend
I have to tell you, the story of Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman at the well is one of the most exciting passages in the Bible for me.  It is filled with hope for all women who feel abused, misused, and forgotten. It is for all women who have tried everything and everyone to fill the void in their hearts, but still hear the echo of emptiness ringing in their hollow souls.

I want you to go back and read the story of the Samaritan five-time divorcee and her encounter with Jesus at the well. It is found in John 4:1-26,39-42. Go ahead...I'll wait....

Now that you're back, let's chat about it. I hope you felt the length and the depth of the words of this story. You see, this is the longest recorded conversation between Jesus and any one single person in the entire New Testament...and it was with a woman.

The shortest route from Judea to Galilee lay on a high road straight through Samarian territory, but the Jews routinely crossed the Jordan River and took the long way around to avoid going through the towns of the despised Samaritans. Jews avoided Samaritans like the plague...literally. Like a quarantined hospital room, the Jews kept their distance.

So it wasn't because of geography that Jesus "had to go through Samaria." Oh no. He had to go through Samaria because His Father told him to. As Jesus reminded the disciples many times, he only did what his Father told him to do (John 5:30; 6:38; 8:26; 9:4; 10:37-38; 12:49-50).

Jesus had to go to Samaria because of divine destiny. Another translation states, "Jesus had a need to go to Samaria" (KJV). He was there on special assignment. It was not a coincidence or causal meeting, but a "deliberate, intentional, and calculated decision on the part of the Savior of the world to go meet with her." You see, there was a woman in Samaria who had been used and abused all her life. And now, God reached down from His throne and chose her for such a time as this. While she felt that she was damaged goods, fit for no one, God chose her as His special spokesperson for an entire town. And He sent His own Son to commission her for ministry.

So Jesus "had" to go, not because of geography, but because of what His Dad wrote in His celestial day-timer. And while the disciples went shopping for groceries, Jesus waited patiently for his assignment to arrive.

While most women went to the well to draw water for their daily use in the cool of the morning or late in the evening, this woman went at high noon. The scorching sun of high noon was a small price to pay in order to avoid being snubbed by the other women in the town. She preferred the heat of the sun to the cold shoulders of the women. So while the women gathered for girlfriend time at the well early in the morning, this particular woman waited until they had returned to their safe havens in order to find safety of her own.

When Jesus asked her for a drink, he didn't demand it of her. He never does. He simply asks. But the fact that he even asked was radical. Men did not talk to women in public in this culture. Jewish men didn't talk to Samaritan women at all. And for a Jew to drink from a Samaritan's cup was unheard of. Jews considered Samaritans unclean, and to drink from a Samaritan's cup would in turn make them unclean. Jesus wasn't concerned in the slightest, for it is only by drinking from his cup that any of us could ever be clean to begin with.

Jesus spoke to her directly and respectfully. This was no doubt radically different from any other Jewish man she had come in contact with. Don't for one minute think that her nationality and gender were happenstance. They were both intentionally chosen by our very intentional God – just another example that God's plan to set the captives free was for all who would believe. And He crossed gender, racial, and religious boundaries to do just that.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father.  Thank You that Jesus "had" to go to Samaria to set a woman free.  Thank You that Jesus "had to" come to a simple woman like me to set me free as well. Thank You for writing my name in Jesus' celestial day-timer...that He reached down and saved me, redeemed me, and now uses me to share His message of redemption.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Have you ever felt like the Samaritan woman at the well?  Like no one wanted to be around you?

Just think about how risky it was for Jesus to have this conversation with her.

What do you think would have happened if the disciples had been there?

Check out the story again and notice when the disciples showed up. (John 4:25-30)

What does that tell you about God's timing?

When did God write your name in Jesus' day-timer? What was the date he set you free? If you remember the date when you accepted Christ as your Savior, click over to my blog page, look for today's entry, and share your spiritual-birth-date in the comment box. Let's celebrate!

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from my book, What God Really Thinks about Women: Finding Your Significance through the Women Jesus Encountered. We tend to read the gospels with our twenty-first century eyes.  But when we understand how oppressive the culture Jesus stepped into was against women, we begin to understand just how radical Jesus' ministry, messages, and miracles were at setting women free. He risked His reputation to save theirs...and yours. Read this book and you'll fall in love with Jesus all over again

[Judy Harder]

July 13, 2012
Are Happy Endings Really Possible?
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him" (Psalm 32:2, NIV).

Friend to Friend
I love a good story. I love stories filled with drama, mystery, action, honesty, hope, grit, tension, release, passion, tenderness, love, restoration, and redemption. My favorite stories, however, combine many of these elements and finish with a happy-ending. My heart beats for happy-ending stories.

There have been days in my life that have been heavy on the tension and light on the release. Moments when I've felt deep pain and longed for deep peace. Weeks when hope evaded my heart because I had chosen to turn from God's way and defiantly chose Gwen's way. Season's when I felt like I had messed up so bad that a happy-ending for my life was simply impossible.

Have you ever felt that way? Like there was a great chasm between your life and a happy-ending? Have you ever felt like you were in a situation, a relationship or a condition that was un-healable, un-helpable, and un-redeemable? I sure have. I think we all have.

Luke 7 introduces us to a woman who endured her shattered, jagged life publicly. I bet she probably felt like there could never be a happy-ending for her life. Like hope and healing were for other people, not for her.

She was guilty of something, though we are never told what. She is simply described as a woman "who had lived a sinful life." Though she is nameless to you and me, the people of her town surely knew her name. The Pharisees knew enough to condemn her with judgmental thoughts.

Her sin was public, not private. Yet the public disgrace of this broken, sinful woman became the perfect canvas for Jesus Christ to paint a beautiful picture of extravagant grace.

"Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them." (Luke 7:36-38, NIV)

Imagine what a scandalous moment this must have been. I'm sure the host was wondering how this uninvited woman managed to get into his home. We know his mind was racing, because the next few verses tell us so:

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner."

Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."

"Tell me, teacher," he said.

"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"

Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled."

"You have judged correctly," Jesus said.

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."
Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven" (Luke 7:39-48).

Imagine the freedom that flooded her soul when this woman looked up, through tear-filled eyes, into the face of grace for the very first time. Jesus looked beyond her reputation to her regret. Then He forgave her. Not because she had earned forgiveness, but because Jesus loved her.

She was forgiven much, so she loved Him much. Oh, how I can relate to this sinful woman. The love that resides in my heart is so great because the sins I've been forgiven of are so many.

Jesus still loves to extend grace, and I am so thankful. Grace! What none of us deserves, but each of us longs for. In his book, What's So Amazing about Grace?, Philip Yancey wrote:

Grace does not excuse sin, but it treasures the sinner. True grace is shocking, scandalous. It shakes our conventions with its insistence on getting close to sinners and touching them with mercy and hope. It forgives the unfaithful spouse, the racist, the child abuser. It loves today's AIDS-ridden addict as much as the tax collector of Jesus' day.

In his book 3:16, The Numbers of Hope, Max Lucado writes, "The heart of the human problem is the heart of the human. And God's treatment is prescribed in John 3:16." It's the verse you've more than likely heard since you were a child. The verse that is scribbled on cardboard signs and held up at sporting events. The verse that gives hope to each and every one of us: "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" (John 3:16).

Why would He lay down His life for you, for me, and for all humanity? In one word: love. Perfect, unconditional, doesn't-matter-who-you-are-or-where-you've-been-or-what-you've-done love. God made a new and living way through the blood shed by Jesus Christ so our wounded hearts could be restored...so that everyone of us could experience deep peace, love, forgiveness, and hope. Welcome to your happy-ending story. It's available to each of us who turn our hearts to Him. What does that look like in your life? Confess your sins to God, ask Him for forgiveness, believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior and receive the gift of God's grace. Then "Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always" (Psalm 105:4).

Thus begins your happy ending. The End.

Let's Pray
Heavenly Father, You are above all and beyond all! You are mighty to save, gracious to forgive, and merciful to forget all that I've done wrong.  I praise You for who You are, and thank You for the grace that is at work in my heart and in my life.  Help me to cast aside everything that keeps me from You today, Lord.  In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What came to your mind as you read today's devotion?  Grab your journal and write about it – or click over to my Facebook pageand post a comment.

Have you experienced the wonder of grace at work in your life?  In what ways?  Do you extend that same grace to others? Spend a few moments in prayer.  Thank God for His grace.

Print or write out this verse: "Those who look on him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. (Psalm 34:5) Memorize it and allow it to serve as a reminder that in Christ you are a new creation, and viewed as radiant by our holy Lord.

More from the Girlfriends
Hey friend.  I thought I would leave today's devotion with this beautiful blessing from scripture..."The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you." 2 Corinthians 13:14 (MSG)

A portion of today's devotion is an excerpt from Gwen Smith's book, Broken into Beautiful.In Broken into Beautiful, Smith invites you to hear the stories of women with shattered dreams, shameful secrets, and damaged souls...and of the loving, holy God who restores their wounded hearts and makes them beautiful in Him.
 

[Judy Harder]

July 16, 2012
The Broken Seed
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Psalm 42:11 "Why am I so sad?  Why am I so upset?  I should put my hope in God.  I should keep praising Him, my Savior and my God (ICB)."

Friend to Friend
I am famous for my "brown thumb."  Even though we have moved several times over the years, changing climates, states, neighborhoods and soil conditions, nothing has altered the fact that if I touch any living plant, its chances for survival are slim.   My husband has fared no better in his numerous attempts to plant trees and flowers.  I fear that the "brown thumb" disease is contagious.  There is more.  I see undeniable evidence that this gardening malady is hereditary.  My son, bless his heart, has tried to rescue wilted flower after crispy plant from his mother's clutches.  Like his father, every tree or flower planted by Jered has died.  But there is hope!  My daughter, Danna, is not only able to keep living plants alive for an impressive amount of time, she can plant seeds and green things will actually grow!  It is amazing to me!

When Danna was in kindergarten, she had a very creative science teacher, Miss Kay, who constantly planned fun activities and projects for the children.  Danna loved her and was always talking about what she learned in science class.  One day, as I waited for Danna in the carpool line, I spotted her standing by Miss Kay, grinning from ear to ear, jumping up and down as if she simply could not wait for me to get there.  As I pulled up, Danna hopped into the car, gave a huge sigh of satisfaction and stretched out her tiny hand, proudly displaying the amazing reason for her enthusiasm -- a wadded up paper towel.

Now I am normally very good at being excited about the things my kids find important, but for the life of me, I could not fathom why Danna would be so thrilled with a crumpled paper towel. "Honey, what is that?" I asked.   She looked up at me with sparkling brown eyes and whispered, "Mom, there are seeds in here. Miss Kay gave them to me and I'm gonna plant them and they are gonna grow.  Can you believe it?"

Given my morbid experience with seeds, I declined to answer that question but instead, chose to join my daughter in her excitement – until I saw them.  Evidently, Danna had been carrying the seeds around all day because when she carefully unfolded the paper towel all I could see was a big mess of broken, mismatched, crushed and crumbled seeds. Looking into the eager eyes of my daughter I said, "Honey, if these seeds don't grow for some reason, remember that we can go to the store and buy some new ones."  Clutching the seeds tightly to her heart and out of my reach, Danna said, "Mama, they have to grow 'cause I prayed and asked God to please make them grow, and He said He would!"  I began planning our trip to the gardening center.

Danna was silent all the way home, but when we pulled into our drive way, she jumped out of the car and darted into the house, leaving her doubting mother behind.  Moments later Danna ran back outside with a small paper cup in her hand. I watched as she scooped up dirt from the front flower bed and marched confidently back into the house.  I followed her, moaning my silent complaint, "Father, do you realize that your reputation is on the line here?  Why did she have to pick that particular flower bed, the one we filled with decorative rocks because nothing, not even weeds, would grow there?"  Once again, I tried to reason with Danna. "Honey, why don't we just buy some new seeds?"  Ignoring my faithless question, Danna stuffed the broken seeds down into the cup,  marched to the kitchen sink and, placing the cup under the faucet, turned the water on full blast. Just as fast as the seeds and dirt spilled over the edge of the cup into the sink, Danna scooped them up and poked them back in, all the way to the bottom of the cup so they could not escape.  "Miss Kay says that they have to have sunshine to grow."  With this announcement, she placed her soggy cup of broken, mismatched seeds on the kitchen window sill that looks out over our screened in porch; a place purposely designed to receive no sunlight at all.  By this time, I knew that my words were falling on deaf ears and decided to let God handle this one.

Several days later, I was standing at the kitchen sink preparing dinner when I glanced out on the porch to see my daughter's faith on spectacular display.  A small paper cup filled with green sprouts confronted my doubting heart.  I could not believe my eyes. Dropping the potatoes in the sink, I literally ran to Danna's room shouting, "Danna! Danna!  Your seeds are growing!" I found her calmly playing "Chutes and Ladders" with Danielle, her best friend. "Danna, did you hear me? Your seeds are growing!" A brief glance and knowing smile from Danna said it all. "That is neat, Mom. I knew they would." She and Danielle resumed their game, leaving me to gaze in awe and wonder at the faith of my child who dared to believe in a broken dream.

You may be hopeless, clinging to the broken and mismatched remnants of your life, wondering how you can go on. Whispers of the enemy creep into your heart, soul and mind, taunting you with the lie that you are just too dirty and broken for God to love or use. Nothing you do can change that reality so you might as well give up, throwing your life away.

Nothing could be further from the truth, my friend. Never underestimate the power of one, tiny broken seed.  Placed in the right hands, it will surely grow into an expression of His beauty for all to see.

Let's Pray
Lord, I confess that when life is hard, I tend to lose hope. I want my hope to be in you, Father. I want to walk in faith and in your will for my life. I am so tired of being defeated. Please show me how to walk in obedience, and by doing so, walk in hope. Amen.

Now it's Your Turn
In order to live a life filled with hope, we must make several choices:

Choose faith over doubt.
Choose to believe God's word over man's wisdom.
Choose to stand firm when the "storms" come.
Choose to count on God's holiness instead of my effort.
More from the Girlfriends
Looking for a Bible Study? Check out Mary's E-Book Bible Study, Strength for the Storm. Mary's message, Strength for the Storm, is available in Video download, CD, and MP3.

A daily time alone with God in prayer and Bible study will strengthen you to face whatever life throws at you. Check out my weekly online Bible study, Light for the Journey, for practical ways to tap into the power of God's Word. Enroll now and have access to all 2012 lessons. FREE MP3s on Mary's website in the Freebies Section!

Do you or someone you love struggle with depression? Mary's book, Hope in the Midst of Depression, offers practical steps you can take to get out and stay out of that pit. Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

July 17, 2012
God Has Not Forgotten You
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you.  Go in peace and be freed from your suffering,'" (Mark 5:34 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Oh how I love the story of Jesus healing the woman with the issue of blood recorded in Mark 5:21-34. I can so relate to this woman. What woman among us hasn't felt the wretchedness of rejection, the shame of suffering, and the humility of hopelessness? What woman hasn't wondered, would God care about the likes of me?  And here we have a story of just how much God values and esteems His female image bearers. He singles out one lone woman from a multitude of curious followers, heals her of her affliction with but a touch, and then shines the heavenly spotlight center stage for her to testify about the miraculous transformation.

The woman we meet in Mark, chapter five, has been called, "the woman with the issue of blood." She was defined by what was wrong with her; I've felt that sting as well. For twelve long years, this woman had been bleeding...When we meet her, she is physically, financially, socially and spiritually drained – bankrupt in every way.

In Biblical days, certain situations and conditions rendered a person ceremonially unclean.  Leprous people were separated from society and had to shout, "Unclean! Unclean!" when they walked among common folk. Anyone who touched a dead body was considered unclean. And women were considered unclean during their monthly period.

A woman hemorrhaging for twelve years would be considered permanently unclean. If unmarried, she would not be able to marry. If married, her condition would be grounds for divorce. She would be expelled from her home, cut off from her family, and ostracized by her community.

Each doctor's visit brought a surge of hope and expectation, only to be swept away when the red flow of despair reappeared. The joy of tender youth was now a vague memory, crushed by life's hardness and the weight of disappointment. The hammer of rejection drove the nails of isolation into the coffin of her tightly secured heart.

Unlike the lame man who was lowered through the roof by four friends and placed at Jesus' feet, this woman had no one to intercede for her. There was no father pleading for his daughter. There was no husband praying for his wife.  There was no master imploring Jesus' help to heal a servant. When we meet this woman, she is fearful and forgotten. She is all alone – or so it seemed to her.

Sometimes we can feel the same: abandoned by friends, deserted by a spouse, forgotten by family, unseen by society. But she was not forgotten. She was not alone. This Daughter of Abraham was close to God's heart and foremost on His mind. So God the Father orchestrated His Son's journey to pass her way.

This woman understood that Jesus was radically different in his approach and appreciation of women.  She knew full well that she was overstepping cultural and religious boundaries set out by pious men of her day, but it was a risk she was willing to take.

Two things happened when she touched Jesus. First she was healed. It was measurable. She felt the flow of blood cease. Jesus felt the power of God released.

Secondly, she was revealed. Her courage was cloaked in anonymity trembling in the fear of exposure, but Jesus was not going to allow her to "steal" her healing. He wanted to do more than stop the flow of blood. He wanted to start the flow of ministry. He called her forward to testify, to tell what had just happened to her so that others would believe.

He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering. (Mark 5:34).

A Rabbi did not speak to a woman in public, but once again, Jesus, the liberator, broke the man-made rules for the God-made woman. He did not call her out to embarrass or shame her in any way. He called her center stage to honor her honesty, to commend her courage, and to validate her valor. He did not reprimand her for breaking the religious rules, but praised her great faith.

Once again, Jesus called a woman out from the shadows and placed her center stage. No longer was she a woman in need of a healing touch, but now a believer who had received it and was called on to tell about it. 

Let's Pray
Dear LORD, I am so thankful that Jesus didn't let this woman slip away with her healing, but called her out to tell what happened. Help me to speak up about the wonderful things You have done and are doing in my life, so others may hear and believe.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
How do you think the crowd responded to her healing?

What does Revelation 12:11 tell us about the power of our personal testimonies?

The Bible doesn't tell us what happened to the woman after her healing. What do you think happened to her?  What do you think she did with the rest of her life? Click over to my blog page and share your answer.  Look for today's devo/blog and leave your response in the comment box. This will be fun!

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from my book, What God Really Thinks about Women: Finding Your Significance through the Women Jesus Encountered. We tend to read the gospels with our twenty-first century eyes. But when we understand how oppressive the culture Jesus stepped into was against women, we begin to understand just how radical Jesus' ministry, messages, and miracles were at setting women free. He risked His reputation to save theirs...and yours.  Check it out at www.sharonjaynes.com. You'll fall in love with Jesus all over again.