Night Light for Couples - Anchor For the Soul

“In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.” Psalm 33:21

When a sudden storm strikes a ship at anchor, only the links of chain and the anchor wedged in the rocks keep vessel and crew from being set dangerously adrift. Obviously, the more tumultuous the times, the more important the moorings. In our own stressful moments, our hopes need to be anchored securely—not in wishes or feelings, but in God’s promise. As the author of Hebrews said, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:19).

Isn’t it comforting to know that we have a secure anchor in our marriages? When storms threaten to overtake us, Jesus Christ will not let us drown. We can count on Him to deliver what He has promised. We may not know what the future holds for our family, career, finances, or dreams—but we can rest in the knowledge that our souls are safe in the hands of almighty God.

Just between us…

• Can you think of a time when you thought the storms of life would capsize you? What kept you float?
• Besides God, who or what provides security and stability in your life?
• Do you ever feel adrift spiritually? If so, how can I help?
• Have we placed our hopes and dreams firmly in God’s hands? If not, can we do that together now?

Lord, You know the desires of our hearts; You know our secret fears, too. But we acknowledge Your unfailing promises and steadfast love. Thank You for being our rock. Tonight we cast our hopes and dreams on You for safekeeping, because we trust You. Amen.

From Night Light For Couples, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson
Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved.

Embracing Discomfort

by Sheri Rose Shepherd

And he also said, "It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega--the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. — Revelation 21:6

Watch this week's video by clicking on the image below.

King David was a mighty warrior of the faith, but His biggest battle was inside himself as he fought to understand why God would chose him. Why did God choose him... then leave him in a cave? This future king was torn from the many comforts he was accustomed to, and forced to hide out in caves to protect his life. I’m sure David must have wondered, "Is God’s will for my life really worth fighting for?" The answer is Yes!

King David did not ask God to become a leader of the faith, but he said yes to the call to fight to further God’s Kingdom. It took sixteen years of "spiritual boot camp," personal battles, and great sacrifices to prepare David to lead God’s people. David did not allow the battles to make him bitter; instead He transferred his painful preparation time into prayers and cried out to God in writing. Today those pain-filled prayers found in the book of Psalms show us how to find God in our own personal battles. His calling was not easy but his life was full of adventure, and his faith still lives on in our hearts today.

Mary could have missed her moment to fight if she had feared what others—including her fiancé, Joseph, would think. Mary did not choose to be the birth mother of Jesus. She had to take a step of faith and embrace the battles that came with her calling to receive the blessing of being used to bring heaven to earth. Many times we have to lay down our dreams for divine destiny.

I know it is hard to see yourself as a David or a Mary, but they are no different then you and me. They were imperfect people who stepped out on the battlefield, and trusted God by surrendering their wants to God’s will for their lives. They lost their lives and gained a legacy of faith. They fought to walk the narrow road, trusting our God to guide them all the way home to Heaven.

This is your time to turn pain into passion and move onto the battlefield to finish what you were sent here to do. Nothing and no one can cancel out the call of God on your life. He as anointed and appointed you for such a time as this. Your God can use all that you have walked through to prepare you for victory on the battlefield. Don’t ever give up your fight because life is hard. This is your moment to bring a taste of heaven to earth. Don’t miss it!

God's Letter to You
My Princess Warrior,

I have created a time for every season of life, and right now it is time for you to dress you in my soul armor. You are more than my daughter—you are My "Princess Warrior." I know this life can take you through times when you feel as if there is no fight left inside of you. But My Spirit will rise up inside your soul and My strength will become your strength. My mighty armor will guard your heart from the fiery arrows of the enemy. In the power of my Holy Spirit you will find the passion and power to step out in faith and face any spiritual giant that comes against you. Your battles won for my Kingdom will become a blessing to all generations!

Love
Your King Who Fights For You

For more about Sheri Rose's ministry, visit HisPrincess.com.

Girlfriends in God - Speak Life

by Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

Whoever controls his mouth protects his own life. Whoever has a big mouth comes to ruin (Proverbs 13:3, GWT).

Friend to Friend

I recently received an email from a friend who told me the story of a private school in Washington that faced an unusual problem. Some of 12-year-old girls were beginning to use lipstick and would gather around the mirrors in the bathroom to compare shades and apply their lipstick.

The girls thought it was cute to then press their lips to the bathroom mirrors, leaving dozens of lip prints. The maintenance man did not think it was cute because he had to clean the mirrors – and you know how icky lipstick on a mirror can be.

Every night the maintenance man would remove the lipstick prints only to find that the girls put them back the next day.

The principal finally decided that something had to be done. She called all the girls to the bathroom and met them there with the maintenance man. She explained that all the lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian who had to clean the mirrors. The principal then asked the maintenance man to demonstrate what he had to do to remove the lipstick and how much effort was required. A stunned silence fell across the bathroom as the weary maintenance man took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it in the toilet, and cleaned the mirror. There has not been a single lip print left on the mirror since that day.

We read that story and think it is both funny and repulsive. Yet the words we speak often carry the same kind of filth. We need to be speaking life – not death into other people. That sounds harsh, doesn’t it? But when we criticize and put others down, when we gossip about others, we are speaking destruction into their lives.

1. Unless strained through discipline and holiness, words can impart false perspectives and untruths. But the right word, spoken at the right time and in the right way can bring order in the midst of confusion, light on a very dark path, and wisdom where there is foolishness.
2. I believe God gives us spiritual radar so we can assess a situation and speak the right word for that circumstance. In fact, Paul writes, “Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone” (Colossians 4:6).

Solomon also offers great wisdom concerning the use of words, “Whoever controls his mouth protects his own life. Whoever has a big mouth comes to ruin” (Proverbs 13:3, GWT). If we do not learn to use and control our tongue, it will use and control us. We need to choose our words carefully.

Proverbs 34:13 “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies."

The word “keep” indicates an action on our part. We decide. We choose what is allowed to take up room in our mind. It is literally the idea of a guard standing at the gate of the city, stationed there to keep watch. He is there by invitation only. If we want to live right and speak right – we must think right, constantly guarding our mind. And that is not all. We must guard our heart as well.

Godly responses come from the heart. If there is something wrong with our words, then there is something wrong with our heart. The truth of Proverbs 16:23 is profound in its simplicity, “A wise man's heart guides his mouth.”

Words are powerful.

Words can destroy or build.

We need to make the choice today – to respond in the right way to angry or hurtful words that are surely headed our way tomorrow.

We need to set our hearts and minds on speaking words of life every time we have the opportunity to do so.

Let’s Pray

Father, I want to please You by encouraging others with the words I speak. Clean my heart, God. Transform my mind and fill my mouth with words that honor You.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Examine the words you have spoken today in light of the following verse:

Psalm 19:14 ”May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”

How did you do? I encourage you to memorize this verse. Ask God to let its truth take root in your heart and work its way out in the words you speak.

More from the Girlfriends

Need help with the tough relationships in your life? Mary’s book, Sandpaper People, offers practical steps you can take that will help you deal with those difficult people. This book can change your life by changing the way you respond to Sandpaper People.

Be sure to check out the FREE MP3s on Mary’s website and connect with Mary through email or on Facebook.

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

Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 1311
Huntersville, NC 28070

info@girlfriendsingod.com
http://www.girlfriendsingod.com

 

His Princess Every Day - Wait On Me

Devotionals for Women - Inspirational author and speaker Sheri Rose Shepherd imagines what a letter written from God to you would look like.

Wait on Me, My princess. My timing is always perfect. I know you’re anxious about many things, and I see your passion for all the plans I have put in your heart. I know that you long to fly, and I see your enthusiasm. However, just as a vinedresser nurtures the vine and waits patiently for the right moment to harvest the grapes, so too am I working tirelessly to prepare you to bear much fruit. Don’t run ahead of Me or try to fly before My plans are complete. Your strength will fail you, and your dreams will wither away. Trust Me that My dreams for you are far greater than you can dream on your own. You will run farther and soar higher if you will patiently wait for the season of My blessing. Draw close to Me now, and I promise that this season of waiting will bring you the sweetest of rewards.

Love,
Your King and Lord of perfect timings

But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. - Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! - Isaiah 43:1–2

This devotional is written by Sheri Rose Shepherd. All content copyright Sheri Rose Shepherd 2015. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Visit HisPrincess.com for devotionals, books, videos, and more from Sheri Rose Shepherd.

Chocolate For Your Soul with Sheri Rose Shepherd - The Good Fight!

by Sheri Rose Shepher

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. — Exodus 14:14

I know life can hit us so hard that there isn’t any fight left inside our soul and even on the best of days, we find ourselves in the midst of a battle that attempts to steal our peace. Our Daddy in Heaven understands the spiritual heat his daughters experience. He is aware of how hard it is to keep fighting when we are worn out and don’t see the fruits of our efforts and energy. It’s very tempting to walk off the battlefield, and just give into the weakness of our weary souls. However, when life is over, and all is said and done, there will be no better way to exit this earth into Heaven than the way Paul did - fighting the good fight so the next generation has a faith to stand on.

Look at it this way: if we give up now, it is like planting a beautiful fruit tree and chopping it down before it is ready to bear fruit we can see and taste. The Word of God promises a crown for those who finish their race, I can think of no better reward, than to know our lives led many to the king of Kings, and our fight brought victory for our children and grandchildren.

I know you want to finish strong, so be encouraged with this truth. It’s never too late to get up and finish your faith and plant your feet in Gods word which will produce great fruit in the next generation. Even If you are too weak to fight today, you can take the first step and stand; if you’re too weak to stand then kneel and call out to your Daddy in Heaven. He loves you and is your faithful God.

God's Letter to You

I believe if The Lord was going to write you a personal letter about battles this life brings it may read like this.... 

My Beloved Daughter,

When you are too weak to fight, My beloved Warrior, I want you to simply stand. When the spiritual warfare around you becomes great and you are in the heat of a faith battle and don’t know what to do, I want you to stand! Yes, stand on My promises. Stand for what you know to be right! Stand in the gap for those who can’t stand on their own!

Yes, My love, evil days will come, but you have My Spirit inside you, and in My power you can and will stand! It is your confidence in Me that will give others the strength to stand with you. Once you have done everything you can, you will still be standing!

Love,
Your King Who Fights For You


Treasure of Truth
So put on all of God’s armor. Evil days will come. But you will be able to stand up to anything. And after you have done everything you can, you will still be standing. — Ephesians 6:13

My Prayer for You

I pray for you to find the strength in Christ alone to stand. I ask our God to give to you an eternal picture of your life lived souly for him. In Jesus name I pray for His peace and His promises to become the foundation of your faith and may the joy of your salvation become your strength. You will be victorious in the name of Jesus over every evil thing that comes against you, and you will not stay down: because you were designed to be a conqueror and to finish strong! In Jesus' name, Amen.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - PERSISTENT PRAYER

As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. 1 Samuel 12:23a

An important aspect of prayer is to pray patiently. God meets our needs “at the proper time” (Galatians 6:9). Too often Christians weary of praying, and give up. This is often justified on the basis that God's failure to answer means the request is not according to His will. Remember, God can:

Deliver - whatever we ask in His name;
Delay - to fit His perfect timing (only He sees the end from the beginning);
Deny - and say ‘No’ because we ask amiss or give a
Different and better answer.

Jesus urges us to be persistent in prayer (Luke 11:5-8). This does not mean that God does not want to meet our needs and that we need to try to persuade Him. It simply means that only God, who completely understands the whole situation, can know when and how to answer. Only when we have assurance in our hearts from the Lord, should we remove a matter from our prayer list.

Many times Christians lose heart in prayer because they do not recognize when the Lord does answer their prayers. Sometimes this is due to the fact that they did not pray specifically enough and sometimes because they have decided in advance how God must answer. Perhaps they think that only a great miracle can meet their need.

But the Lord may change the circumstances so that the need seems to be supplied “naturally.” Mature believers will recognize that the events of everyday life also come from the Lord. Our daily bread and safety are miracles of God in this troubled world. Let us not presume to tell God how to answer, and let us praise Him for His daily care.

RESPONSE: Today I will acknowledge God gives His best to those who leave the choices to Him.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to be patient and persistent…and leave the answers to my prayers in Your hands.

Verse of the Day - June 14, 2016

Philippians 3:20 (NIV) But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Read all of Philippians 3