Girlfriends in God - Friday, July 5, 2019

Before You Get Mad

Arlene Pellicane

Today’s Truth

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

~ James 1:19 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

It was raining like crazy when I went to pick up my son from school. I had told him earlier to look for my car so I wouldn’t have to get out in the rain. I slipped into my ugliest, oldest flip flops I was just planning to stay in the nice, dry car.

There was my son in plain sight He walked towards me and then walked right…past…my…car! He made a U-turn but still missed me. I was so upset and exasperated. I got out of my car, embarrassed to be wearing my for-home-use-only flip flops, and yelled “ETHAN!!!” at the top of my lungs.

He finally saw me. I darted back to the car, totally unprepared for the downpour. In those few seconds, I talked to myself. I was very aware of how mad I was! “Calm down, don’t be mad. It’s not really a big deal.”

The first thing I said to Ethan was, “You made me get out in my flipper floppers!” which made us both laugh because I looked so ridiculous. I asked as calmly as possible, “Why didn’t you see my car?”

“I was expecting you to come in the van, but you came in the other car.”

Oh. That made sense. My anger which had risen so quickly like a thundercloud dissipated.

James wrote to us about the powerful emotion of anger, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (James 1:19, NIV).

Notice one quick and two slows.

Quick to listen. Slow to speak and slow to become angry.

We can get that turned around. We can be slow to listen and quick to speak and quick to become angry. Before you get mad at your child, husband, friend, mom, or co-worker, take a deep breath. Think about one quick and two slows. Ask God to calm you down and to help you to listen.

“Slow to be angry” in the original Greek means “slow to boil.” We live in a microwave generation where many things move fast, almost instantly from blazing Internet connections to fast food. When it comes to getting angry, we are instructed to be more like a slow-cooking crock pot than a microwave.

This can be very difficult! As James writes, “No human being can tame the tongue. It is restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8, NIV). Thankfully we have the Holy Spirit residing within us as our Teacher and Guide.

Please understand there is a place for right anger. You see Jesus’ righteous anger toward the injustice and corruption happening in the temple (Matthew 21:12-13). God’s anger burns against the wicked. Not all anger is bad. But sometimes the anger that comes out in our cutting tone, yelling, or terse words isn’t rooted in righteousness. It’s rooted in selfishness.

Let’s be slow to boil, slow to speak, slow to get angry. Let’s instead be quick to listen. We may find out the other side of the story is a worthwhile tale.

Let’s Pray

Dear Jesus, I need Your help today May I be quick to listen to others. Give me wisdom and an understanding and patient heart. Help me to be slow to anger and slow to speak. Bring peace to my closest relationships. Let there be forgiveness in places where angry words have been spoken. I commit my words and my thoughts to You.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Are there certain people or situations that seem to activate your anger? What can you do to prepare yourself to respond calmly next time instead of in anger?

The next time you feel anger welling up inside of you, take a deep breath and pray to God before you speak.

More from the Girlfriends

Anger can be a troubling emotion for children. Arlene’s book Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World (co-authored with Dr. Gary Chapman) addresses good and bad anger, and how to tell the difference between the two. It will help you navigate anger in a healthier way in your home.

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

Girlfriends in God
www.girlfriendsingod.com

I slipped into my ugliest, oldest flip flops I was just planning to stay in the nice, dry car.

Girlfriends in God - Thursday, July 4, 2019

Are You Afraid or Discouraged?

Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Joshua 8:1)

Friend to Friend

We see a vibrant example of courage and obedience in the book and life of Joshua. He served humbly and faithfully in the shadow of Moses until the Lord took Moses home and chose Joshua to be the next leader His people.

I’d be shaking in my size 10 shoes if I had to fill the sandals of Moses! I’m sure that in his humanness Joshua was intimidated too, but he was well trained because he had served under Moses for 40 years.

I mean – he wasn’t exactly a spring chicken when God gave him His incredible I-made-you-for-greatness and I’ve-got-your-back motivational talk. Have you ever thought of that?

“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:5-9)

How cool is that?

Even though Joshua was well along in years when this Biblical conversation took place, approximately 80 years old, God gave him a new job. Can you even imagine? God called him up to bigger responsibilities because Joshua had been faithful with smaller responsibilities. And the Bible shows us that when God gave instructions Joshua obeyed.

He moved forward and followed as the Lord led.

I’m sure it helped that God encouraged him over and over again with, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Joshua 8:1)

Just like God wanted Joshua to trust Him with each new assignment, He wants us to trust and follow Him too – no matter our age. When He calls us to new things, we can be strong and courageous because God doesn’t expect us to do it alone. We have access to lean on His unending strength instead of our limited abilities.

When I feel like I’m in over my head I don’t need to shake in my shoes. And you don’t either. When God tell us to go – to move on to the next thing – to trust Him in a new adventure – we need to go!
Move forward and follow as the Lord leads.

Are you afraid or discouraged?

God will provide everything you need when you follow Him.

After all, when you follow God, you get in step behind the faithful Protector, Provider, Defender and Guide who will never leave or forsake you.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, Thank You for having a purpose for every day You allow me to live. Help me to embrace what lies ahead, follow Your lead and trust You to provide everything I need.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Read Isaiah 41:10. What two things does the Lord instruct us NOT to do in this verse? What four reasons does He give to explain why we shouldn’t do those two things? Why should this matter to you? What is one way you can apply this to your life today? Write a prayer response in your journal or swing over to my blog and write one in the comments section.

More from the Girlfriends

If you want to read and study the Bible, but don’t know where to start, this is for you! Girlfriends in God co-founder Gwen Smith has several online Bible Study options that will guide you on a personal journey with the Lord as you read, record, reflect on and respond to His Word.

These studies will help you know what God says about tender topics like forgiveness, healing, fear, depression, relationships and hope. Each inductive study can be done in the comfort of your home and in a time frame that fits with your personal schedule. Visit www.GwenSmith.net/BibleStudy to learn more.

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

Girlfriends in God
www.girlfriendsingod.com

Are you afraid or discouraged?

Girlfriends in God - Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Living Beyond Broken Dreams

Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

~ Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

Beth is one of my dearest friends. She had been married for 24 years when her husband walked away from their marriage. Beth is a very strong Christian and for five years put on a happy face telling everyone, including herself, “That’s OK. Jesus is enough.” She has two absolutely incredible children who love the Lord and both serve in some facet of ministry. And yet, I wondered if she had been the first person I had ever known who had skipped the grieving process that follows the devastation of divorce.

She was not.

Five years after the divorce, Beth and I were talking about some struggles she was facing in a new relationship.

“Beth, I don’t think you ever allowed yourself to grieve over your loss. I know your first husband betrayed you at the very core of what a marriage is supposed to be, but there is still a loss. There is grieving the loss that your children do not have the father they deserve, the loss of investing twenty-four years with a man who betrayed you, and the loss of the dream of what marriage could and should be like—what God intended from the beginning of time.”

Beth is just now beginning to grieve the many losses that accompanied her divorce and her two grown children, are in the process of grieving as well.

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, in her book, On Death and Dying, notes five stages of grief: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. But for us who have the hope of Jesus Christ, there is a sixth stage: RESURRECTION!

There is the assurance that God will take the death of a dream and resurrect it for a new purpose: His purpose. But we have to cooperate and place the shattered dream in His hand.

Grief is part of the healing process. I grieved that I did not grow up being the apple of my daddy’s eye, that I was not unconditionally loved, and that I did not get to hold my second child in my arms. Grieving the loss helped me to let it go. But after a time, I had to stop lamenting what was not, and rejoice in the blessing of what is. God had new plans for my life!

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV).

Just as God raised Jesus from the dead, He can raise our broken dreams from the dust.  Acceptance is not the end of the grieving process for those of us who know Jesus Christ. Resurrection is the end of grief and the beginning of a new dream, a new life, and a glorious future.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, thank you that for me, as a Christian, I don’t have to stop at mere acceptance when it comes to grief. There is more than acceptance…there is resurrection. You take the broken pieces of our lives and make a beautiful mosaic. Thank You for resurrecting my hopes and dreams and making my life much better than I had ever imagine.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Is there any area of your life where you have settled for acceptance?

What are your next steps for resurrection of a dream that died? Using it to help someone else? Making you stronger? Making you wiser? Drawing you closer to Jesus?

Compare the Moses who lost his dream when he was 40 (Exodus 2) and Moses whose dream was restored when he was 80 (Exodus 3). What made the difference? Who was in control in chapter 2? Who was in control in chapter 3?

More from the Girlfriends

I know talking about RESURRECTION as the final stage of grief sounds good, but I also know it’s hard. That’s why I wrote the book Take Hold of the Faith You Long For. The subtitle says it all: Let go, Move Forward, Live Bold. If you feel stuck in your faith or in your life, this book is for you. It’s time to let go of everything that holds you back and take hold of everything that God has already given you and put in you through Jesus Christ. It also includes a Bible study guide which is great for group study.

And for you married or hope to be married, check out the new The Praying Wives Club! Join women all around the world as we pray for our husbands.

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

Girlfriends in God
www.girlfriendsingod.com

Beth is one of my dearest friends. She had been married for 24 years when her husband walked away from their marriage.

Girlfriends in God - Tuesday, July 2, 2019

God’s Perfect Provision Part 2

Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

I will provide for their needs before they ask, and I will help them while they are still asking for help.

~ Isaiah 65:24 (NCV)

Friend to Friend

Despite a very shaky start, the weekend could not have gone any better! (If you have not read yesterday’s devotion, stop where you are. Go back and read it … now!)

Dan and I finally made it to Greensburg for my speaking event and checked into our hotel only to discover that the air conditioning in our room did not work.

I. Did. Not. Care.

I was so tired that I literally climbed into bed and pleaded with my sweet husband to just deal with it. He did. I vaguely remember the maintenance man kicking the air conditioning unit in our room, and the unit coming to life. Go God!

And God was all over the event from beginning to end. I totally forgot about my hurting back the minute I began to speak. Every time I gave an invitation, women flooded the aisles. I talked and prayed with woman after woman … all seeking God and His power to redeem, heal, and restore. It was an amazing day!

I even managed to forget about the fact that this “free” event had gouged an unexpected hole in our finances. I shakily chose to trust God.

The next day I spoke for the church where my friend and her husband are the pastors. I noticed her look of concern when I hobbled in and assured her that I would be fine. I then turned to Dan and quietly pleaded, “Do you have a sermon in your pocket?” He smiled and said, “You’ve got this, honey.” I did not care for his faith in me at that moment. But when I got up to speak, God did indeed come through again. It was a precious service and a time of eternal business with God.

On the way home, Dan and I talked and laughed about the whole weekend … from the minute we stepped up to the airport counter … to the air going out in his truck and that funny little auto parts store. We then celebrated all that God had done in the lives of the people who came to hear His Word and were forever changed through His power.

“Oh, did you check your money pouch?” Dan asked. I had honestly not even thought about it. I had only brought a minimum number of books and CDs to sell and really did not expect much.

And that was my problem - my pitiful expectations - my meager faith.

We serve a God who can do a whole lot when we expect Him to. When I counted the money, I could not believe it. We had just enough to cover all of our expenses for the whole weekend! We partied all the way home!

But there is more.

When we got home, pulled in our driveway, and opened the garage door, Dan said, “Uh, honey, I think you need to go in the garage.”

Now that was strange. Dan had just told me to stay put while he unloaded the truck and opened the door. Yes … I had a frozen bag of peas that still had a little life left in it. But I got out of the truck and went in the garage and promptly started screaming!

There sat a 2004 silver Honda Pilot. The car was in mint condition. The dealership papers said it had new tires, a new transmission, and a new timing belt. The car was a lease and had been perfectly maintained. And it had a third row … big enough for all of our grandchildren!

The note on the windshield said it was a gift from the men in Dan’s fireside group. Three months earlier, they had noticed the absence of my old car and asked Dan about it. That’s all.

And now the note read, “It is unacceptable for our pastor’s wife to not have a car. We want you to know how much we love you.” And there were no names except for the one man who had to title the car. I had no idea who to thank.

Oh, but I did.

My Father had worked through the willing hearts of some precious men to meet a need in my life. So I named the car Gracie. And every time I get behind the wheel of Gracie, I am reminded that no matter how hard we try, we simply cannot out-give God.

I want to live my life with open hands, dusty feet, calloused knees, and rolled-up sleeves. I want to be a generous giver. I may not have much money, but I can give what I have. I can give my time and energy … my love and concern … a listening ear and a caring heart. I can give my life.

Let’s Pray

Father, Giver of every good and perfect gift, teach me how to give. Help me see those in need and be quick to meet their needs. I choose to crucify myself in order to give in such a way that pleases and honors You. Thank You for the privilege of giving.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Choose now to become a generous giver. Ask God to show you a person in need … and then show you how to meet that need. I would love to hear your “Giving Story” this week. Email me: mary@marysoutherland.com

More from the Girlfriends

Do you want to grow in your ability to trust God? Get Mary’s E-Book 10-Day Trust Adventure. 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
www.girlfriendsingod.com

Dan and I finally made it to Greensburg for my speaking event and checked into our hotel only to discover that the air conditioning in our room did not work.

Girlfriends in God - Monday, July 1, 2019

God’s Perfect Provision Part 1

Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

~ Luke 6:38 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

My requirements for a car are simple and few. It has to run. And it has to have both air and heat. I don’t like car payments. I am not about cars. They are not my “thing.” Consequently, we have bought many used cars and have even been given a few cars over the years. We drive them until they die. And then God provides another car.

A year ago, the car I was driving died. Since it was the beginning of summer and Dan was scheduled to have a month-long sabbatical in addition to his month of study and vacation time, we decided to wait on making a car decision. We could make it a few months with one car … or in our case, one truck.

I had one last speaking engagement to do for a friend, but since the event was within driving distance, we decided to combine it with a trip to Texas to visit family. It was one of those events the Lord told me to do for free. The church was small, and the friend was starting a women’s ministry in a small Kansas town that had literally been blown away by tornadoes several years earlier. I really wanted to help and encourage her in any way that I could.

The plan was simple. Dan and I would drive his truck to Wichita, Kansas and fly to Texas to visit family for several days. We would then fly back to Wichita and drive to Greensburg for my event and then drive home. Simple – right? Not so much.

When we got to the Dallas airport, we discovered that our flight to Wichita was booked for 10:00 pm instead of 10:00 am. You need to know that my husband has booked hundreds of flights over the years and never made that mistake. Since I had to be in Greensburg that night, we rented a car and drove to Wichita where we turned in the rental car and climbed in Dan’s truck.

About an hour down the road, the air in Dan’s truck went out. It was a hot summer’s day. The temperature in Dan’s truck began to climb. When it reached 92 degrees, I began to boil.

I am already calculating how much this “free” event is costing. Yes, I am very human. I have severe back problems. We had already stopped twice between Dallas and Wichita to buy giant bags of frozen peas. They really do work well as ice packs. So my back is killing me, I am sweating like crazy, and well … let’s just say that I am not a happy camper at this point of our “free” event trip.

We found an auto parts store in a small town and decided to see if they could help us. It is 4:50 pm on Friday afternoon. Maybe all the truck needs is Freon! The storeowner comes out, raises the truck hood, shakes his head and says, “Freon is not gonna fix that!” Evidently some belt had shredded which meant some rocker arm had frozen. As I said, cars are not my “thing.”

With a smile, he said, “Pull her around back, and we will see what we can do.” I am thinking he can’t do much. The store is about the size of my kitchen and sits in a town in the middle of nowhere. I am such a giant of faith!

But I did manage to eek out a prayer, “Lord, please send angels with the parts we need!”

Only a few minutes had passed before the storeowner came walking toward us with a grin on his face. As he blew the dust off of two boxes, he said, “Well, what do you know? I do have those parts.”

God came through!

And then the whispers of the enemy also came through. I could only imagine how much the parts and labor would cost. The expenses for this “free” event continued to add up. A rental car … two giant bags of peas … and the now repaired air conditioner on Dan’s truck.

When the parts were installed and we were ready to leave, the storeowner handed Dan the bill. A look of surprise … or maybe shock … covered Dan’s face. I couldn’t bear to ask until we got in the truck and drove away.

“How much was it, honey?” I asked. Dan smiled and said, “About a fourth of what I expected it to cost.”

We drove in silence for a few minutes … basking in the perfect provision of God for every need of our lives … even when our faith is pitifully small. You just can’t out-give God.

Don’t miss the rest of the story in my next devotion. As my Mama used to say, it is a “humdinger!”

Let’s Pray

Father, forgive me for doubting You. I am so human and so weak. Help me grow in my faith and my ability to trust You. Today, I choose faith over fear, trust over worry, and victory over failure!
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Think back to a time in your life when God came through … even when you doubted Him. Thank Him for the way He meets every need in your life. Trust Him to meet that need you are facing right now. Read and memorize Proverbs 3:5-6.

More from the Girlfriends

Do you want to grow in your ability to trust God? Get Mary’s E-Book, 10-Day Trust Adventure. 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
www.girlfriendsingod.com

Think back to a time in your life when God came through … even when you doubted Him.

Girlfriends in God - Friday, June 28, 2019

When You Don’t Want to Go Back to the Way You Were

Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

~ Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

I just got my braces off…again.

I have had braces on my upper teeth three times. Count them. One. Two. Three.

As the orthodontist explained, “Teeth have a memory. They always want to go back to the way they were.”

As soon as he said those words, I felt convicted. I have a tendency to go back to the way I was.

We all do.

Karen (not her real name) admitted to single handedly destroying her marriage with passive aggressive coldness, destructive words, and disrespect of the worst kind. After her husband walked away from the marriage, she had a Holy Spirit moment and realized what she had done. Karen’s heart softened and she vowed never be that woman again.

She immersed herself in Bible study and began to pray for her ex-husband even though the marriage was over. Karen took on the beautiful holy glow of a woman who knew she was totally forgiven and completely loved by God. Miraculously, her ex-husband saw the change, and the marriage was restored!

However, after a few years, the destructive behavior began to creep back in.

A word here.

A cold shoulder there.

A retreating into self for weeks at a time.

Ten years after the miraculous restoration, the marriage crashed and burned.

“Teeth have a memory. They always want to go back to the way they were.”

Jesus saw this tendency to fall into old ways when He cleaned out the temple. In the beginning of his ministry, after his first miracle of turning the water into wine at the wedding of Cana, He traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.

“In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle, he scattered the coins of the moneychangers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, ‘Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market.’” (John 2:14-16 NIV)

Three years later, during his last week of life on earth, Jesus came upon the unholy mess again.

“Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the benches of those selling doves. ‘It is written,’ he said to them, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers’” (Matthew 21:12-13 NIV).

How did the corruption happen the second time? I don’t think it happened all at once. After Jesus cleared out the temple initially, I suspect it stayed that way for a time. But one day, a moneychanger set up his table. Then another brought in a few birds, followed by a couple of sheep, and then here came a cow.

The next thing you know, the temple wasn’t any different than it was before Jesus cleared it out and cleaned it up three years earlier. In three years it had reverted back to an unholy mess.

And God whispers in my ear: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV).

Sometimes I am that messy temple.

Swept-clean sinful behavior, ungodly thoughts, and jump-off-the-cliff emotions are itching to creep back in at all times. It is up to me (and to you) to keep the temple clean.

Perhaps you’ve had a Holy Spirit moment at some point in your life—a moment that caused you to make a major lifestyle change.

But for the moment to maintain momentum, we need to be constantly aware of our tendency to revert…to go back to the way we were.

I am so thankful that Jesus went back to clean out the temple a second time. It lets me know that He will graciously return to my messy self again and again with broom in hand.

I don’t know about you, but I never want to go back to the way I was. If you’re willing to take a few moments and ask God if there is something you’ve allowed to creep back in, join me in praying Psalm 51 in the prayer below.

Then leave a comment and say, “I’m doing it today!”

Let’s Pray

Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and restore a steadfast spirit within me.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Can you think of any behaviors or habits that you have committed to change in the past, but that have crept back into your life?

If so, today’s task is simple, but not easy. Renew your commitment to clean out the temple once again. Then cooperate with the Holy Spirit to keep your resolve. Remember, God’s mercies are new every morning.

More From the Girlfriends

Nothing keeps old habits from creeping back in like prayer. One of the ways I keep my marriage strong is by praying Scripture over my husband. In Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe, I map out sixteen landmarks to help you consistently and effectively cover your husband in powerful prayer. From his mind and the thoughts he thinks, to his feet and the path he takes. This resource will change your marriage and your man…and even you.

And now I’ve expanded my website to include The Praying Wives Club ™. Click on over and join a community of Prayer Warriors interceding for their marriages and their men!

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

Girlfriends in God
www.girlfriendsingod.com

I just got my braces off…again.

Girlfriends in God - Thursday, June 27, 2019

When I Was a Child …

Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.

~ 1 Corinthians 13:11 (NLT)

Friend to Friend

I remember the first time I saw the movie, “Peter Pan.” I was a little girl, totally mesmerized by the character of Peter, wanting to be just like him. After the movie was over, I immediately ran into my back yard and jumped out of a tree – trying to fly! Fortunately, nothing was broken, and I quickly decided I could be contented with being like Peter in other ways. I immediately vowed never to grow up! I agreed with Peter that the adult world seemed frightening; it was very large and demanding, completely beyond my control.

However, life goes on and I somehow managed to navigate the treacherous waters of life, finding myself happily married with two children. Once again, I wished time would stop or at least, slow down so my children would stay babies. Of course, that wish didn’t come true either. But I am finding life today very sweet. Our son, Jered, is married to a beautiful girl and they have four beautiful children! Our daughter Danna is happily married to a great young man and has two amazing boys. Both Jered and Danna are wonderful young adults who bring us great joy and teach us so much about life. The desire to grow is a healthy desire and a natural process in human development.

The same principle is true when it comes to our spiritual development and growth. If the desire to grow isn’t present in our lives, there’s something wrong with our spiritual health.  Healthy Christians grow and mature. It’s natural for the Christian to grow and mature in Christ. God not only wants us to grow, He commands it.

The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church at Corinth, correcting them for their childish attitudes about the spiritual gifts of tongues, knowledge and prophecy. He encouraged them to grow up, to put away the less mature gifts and to seek the more mature gifts such as love, faith and hope.

We can apply this same encouragement to our lives today. It’s time for us to become mature believers by putting away immature attitudes and actions. One of the most obvious marks of maturity or immaturity is how we use words. Mature believers don’t speak like children. You never know exactly what a child is going to say but we naturally expect childish words to come from children. Paul is saying that a great measurement of maturity for us as Christians is how well we use words.

Our words need to be controlled. In the book of James, we find a sobering challenge. “We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way” (James 3:2, NLT). If we can control our tongues, we can control ourselves. James, a disciple of Jesus, compares the tongue to the rudder on a ship, a bit in the horse’s mouth, or a spark that starts a huge fire. The tongue is powerful and difficult to control. Our words can give or destroy life. Once a word is spoken, it is eternal.

Our words need to be encouraging. One of the highest responsibilities in the body of Christ is to practice encouragement. A word of encouragement may be a life preserver to someone drowning in a storm of life.

Our words need to be truthful. Mark Twain said, “A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.” Lies hold us in bondage while truth sets us free.

We need to be extremely careful what we say and how we say it because the spoken word is powerful. It can bless or curse, express praise or whisper slander. It can be a tool of blessing or a weapon of destruction. How we use the tongue is a dead give-away of our spiritual maturity. If we don’t learn to control our tongue, it will control us! It’s time to grow up!

Let’s Pray

Father, I confess that in many ways I am still so childish and lack maturity. I now lay those areas before You and ask that You take control, teaching me Your ways. Lord, help me control my tongue and speak words that would encourage and build others up. Right now, I give myself anew to You and pray that in the days to come, I will grow up so that others will see You in my life.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now it’s Your Turn

Take some time to evaluate the maturity level in every area of life – especially in the words you speak.

In what areas have you grown since becoming a Christian?

What are the areas in which you need to mature?

How would others describe the words that you speak?

___ Husband
___ Children
___ Neighbors
___ Co-workers
___ Friends

Who is there in your life that needs a word of encouragement today? How can you meet that need?

More from the Girlfriends

I know! It is hard work to mature. I often think it would be a lot easier to remain babies in Christ. But in order to deal with life…today…we need to set our minds and hearts on growing up in Christ. The words we speak are direct indicators of our maturity level. Ouch! If you are like me, you really want to use words as a gift of encouragement but seem to fail so often.

Well, let’s begin again! Let’s get into God’s Word so we will have good things to speak. Let’s pray diligently that we will be prepared to give a godly verbal response. And when we fail, let’s confess our frailty and celebrate God’s strength…and begin again. We’re in this together.

Need help? The power to control the words we speak is to get the Word of God into our lives. Sometimes we don’t really know how to do that. I encourage you to check out my book combo – You Make Me So Angry and How to Study the Bible for help in controlling the words you speak. And be sure to 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
www.girlfriendsingod.com

I remember the first time I saw the movie, “Peter Pan.” I was a little girl, totally mesmerized by the character of Peter ...

Girlfriends in God - Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Where Are You Looking?

Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.

~ Psalm 73:23 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

It was Corrie Ten Boom who said, “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God, you’ll be at rest.” The text of Psalm 73 helps this truth rise vividly.

If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed… “For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” (Psalm 73:3)

They. They. They.

“They have no struggles;

their bodies are healthy and strong.

5 They are free from common human burdens;

they are not plagued by human ills.

6 Therefore pride is their necklace;

they clothe themselves with violence.

7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity;

their evil imaginations have no limits.

8 They scoff, and speak with malice;

with arrogance they threaten oppression.

9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven,

and their tongues take possession of the earth.

10 Therefore their people turn to them

and drink up waters in abundance.

11 They say, “How would God know?

Does the Most High know anything?”

12 This is what the wicked are like—

always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.”

(Psalm 73:4-12)

Jealousy is toxic, damaging, senseless and ignorant. Still, like the psalmist, we often go there. 

“She’s got it easy… just look at her house / car / husband / job / children / waistline!”

“Why does everything seem to go her way?”

“That woman doesn’t have a care in the world! She gets to ____ while I _____ …”

“Women like her…”

“They all…”

“Why does she have…?”

Envy wrecks the hearts of humans. It stirs restlessness, wreaks havoc on our minds and renders contentment impossible. It tears down. And when the walls of hope, peace and love are torn down by envy we become distressed. Period.

If you look within, you’ll be depressed…

“Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure

and have washed my hands in innocence.

14 All day long I have been afflicted,

and every morning brings new punishments.

15 If I had spoken out like that,

I would have betrayed your children.

16 When I tried to understand all this,

it troubled me deeply.”

(Psalm 73:13-16)

Oh, you know… Why am I the only one who ____? There’s no way I could do that. Why am I so stupid? Nothing ever goes right for me! 

We complain.

We doubt.

We cut ourselves down and we sulk. When all the while, focusing on self leaves us depressed. Or at the very least, discouraged. 

If you look to God, you’ll be at rest…

“…till I entered the sanctuary of God;

then I understood their final destiny.

18 Surely you place them on slippery ground;

you cast them down to ruin.

19 How suddenly are they destroyed,

completely swept away by terrors!

20 They are like a dream when one awakes;

when you arise, Lord,

you will despise them as fantasies.

21 When my heart was grieved

and my spirit embittered,

22 I was senseless and ignorant;

I was a brute beast before you.

23 Yet I am always with you;

you hold me by my right hand.

24 You guide me with your counsel,

and afterward you will take me into glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.

27 Those who are far from you will perish;

you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.

I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;

I will tell of all your deeds.”

(Psalm 73:17-28)

While the mysteries of what God does and doesn’t allow here on earth will never fully be understood, it seems the rest our souls long to know is found in the sanctuary. Not the sanctuary of a church building. In the sacred space of God’s dwelling. In the power of His presence.

I don’t need to look around in envy.

I don’t need to grumble and fret about what I have or don’t have.

It’s not best for me to want that woman’s people, places, positions or prosperity.

I have full access to all I need in Christ, every spiritual gift and blessing. And each time a tinge of envy sparks, the peace (rest) I long for is available when I look to God.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, Would you be the strength and focus of my heart today? It’s so easy to look around and become discouraged - at times even indignant - when we see what we perceive to be prosperity in the lives of others. Help me to keep my eyes to you, and the life You’ve given me so Your strength, peace and eternal provision will calm my fussy, distracted and prideful heart.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

What or who are you looking at in the world that has you distressed? In what unhealthy, unholy ways are you looking within? What would it look like for you to, instead, look to God?

Write a prayer of response on the wall of my blog or on my Facebook wall. Comment on other posts. Pray for each other in the beauty of community.

More from the Girlfriends

If you want to read and study the Bible, but don’t know where to start, this is for you! Girlfriends in God co-founder Gwen Smith has several online Bible Study options that will guide you on a personal journey with the Lord as you read, record, reflect on and respond to His Word. These studies will help you know what God says about tender topics like forgiveness, healing, fear, depression, relationships and hope. Each study can be done in the comfort of your home and in a time frame that fits with your personal schedule. Visit www.GwenSmith.net/BibleStudy to learn more.

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

Girlfriends in God
www.girlfriendsingod.com

It was Corrie Ten Boom who said, “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God, you’ll be at rest.”

Girlfriends in God - Tuesday, June 25, 2019

What is True Worship?

Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

The LORD does what is right, and He loves justice, so honest people will see His face.

~ Psalm 11:7 (NCV)

Friend to Friend

Worship is a word we often use but something we rarely experience. Oh, we say that we are going to a worship service each Sunday, but do we really encounter the living God or merely endure another weekly religious gathering? When was the last time you walked away from a worship service – changed forever – because God met you there? We misunderstand what true worship is and fail to recognize the requirements of worship.

A preacher, out for a walk, noticed a group of boys standing around a small stray dog. “What are you doing, boys?” he asked. “Telling lies,” one young man explained. “The one who tells the biggest lie gets the dog.” The minister was shocked and said, “Why, when I was your age, I never even thought about telling a lie.” The boys looked at each other and their faces fell in disappointment. Finally, one young man shrugged and said, “I guess he wins the dog.”

To worship God is to see Him - truly and honestly. No, we cannot actually see His face, but we can understand who He is, recognize His power, and acknowledge His sovereignty. True worship takes place in an honest heart.

Honesty is a rapidly disappearing attribute. Truth is hedged and masked. Integrity is compromised. “Mom isn’t here” our children say when we want to avoid the caller. We silently pocket the incorrectly counted change received in the drive-through lane. Untruths we label as “small white lies” punctuate our character until authenticity is forfeited. A life of integrity demands honesty. So does worship.

Worship is all about seeking the face of God. We cannot truly seek Him until we are willing to come before Him in absolute abandonment, completely and totally honest before Him.

In the gospel of Luke, we find a woman who came to dinner at the home of Simon Peter. This woman came for one reason alone - she had heard that Jesus would be there. It was common knowledge that she was a prostitute with a terrible reputation. Everyone at the party - including Simon, the host - knew exactly who she was and what she had done. Simon would never have allowed, much less invited this kind of woman to enter his home. However, it was common knowledge that when a Rabbi was invited to someone’s house, others could stop by and listen to the conversation. A desperate woman, she came knowing that everyone at the party would recognize and judge her.  But her desire to meet Jesus was greater than her pride.

She came openly - hiding nothing. She came just like she was, a sinful woman. In other words, as my daughter would say, she was the “real deal.” No pretense. No hypocrisy. Just authenticity. She came with an honest heart and Jesus met her at that point of brutal honesty. As a matter of fact, He was waiting for her to come. He is waiting for us to come as well. The fact is that we will never experience the full power of true worship until we are ready to honestly confront and deal with the sin in our lives. An honest heart pleases God and is invited to worship Him.

Let’s Pray

Father, I confess that I do not truly understand what it means to worship You in the way that You desire, but I want to worship You. I want to come into your presence with complete honesty and transparency. My heart desire is to sit at Your feet. I lay down my pride and arrogance, confessing that without You, I am nothing. I praise You and love You, Father. Teach me how to truly worship You.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

• Examine your life in the light of honesty.
• Come before Him wrapped in that spiritual honesty.
• Know that He always responds to an honest heart.
• Refuse to fall back into old habits that would corrupt your newfound authenticity.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• What sin(s) have I been hiding and refusing to face?
• What action(s) will it take for me to deal with those sins honestly?
• How does sin affect my ability to worship God?
• Define honesty. Does your definition line up with God’s?

More from the Girlfriends

I don’t know about you, but I am so tired of lugging my collection of masks around. I am no longer willing to waste energy trying to be someone God did not create me to be. I really do want to be “the real deal.” Let’s pray for each other to become a woman that pleases God.

Need help? Check out Mary’s book, Fit for Life. Fit for Life will help you do just that as it explores four areas of fitness and health – spiritual, physical, mental and emotional. Within each one of these areas, Fit for Life examines principles relating to rest, diet, and exercise. And be sure to 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
www.girlfriendsingod.com

We misunderstand what true worship is and fail to recognize the requirements of worship.

Girlfriends in God - Monday, June 24, 2019

Quit Fighting Your Own Battles

Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

~ Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

In his letter to the believers in Ephesus, the apostle Paul talked straight about the spiritual battle of faith. He exhorted them to:

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (Eph. 6:10–13 ESV)

In recognizing that the battle is real, I’m motivated to prepare for the fight. The Bible maps out my rules of engagement and holds my trembling hands until they calm. I have to keep in mind that the battle is ultimately not mine. It is God’s. And when I suit up in His strength, He goes before me and fights on my behalf.

What help do I have to stand firm against attacks from Satan and his cronies?

Truth: Protects me against damaging lies.

Righteousness (by faith through grace in Christ): Annihilates my sin.

Peace: Guards my heart and mind. Motivates me to share the hope of Jesus.

Faith: Protects me from attacks and extinguishes the flaming darts of the Evil One.

Salvation: In Christ alone. Conquers death. It is finished. Team Victory wins.

The sword of the Spirit: The Word of God. Inherent. Flawless. Guides me in all truth.

Pray in the Spirit: Connects me to God’s power.

How do I invite the Holy Spirit to lead me each day? By putting on the armor of God in prayer and stepping up in faith to stand firm in His power. (Note to self: review that list when I feel exhausted, intimidated, and battle worn.)

Let’s connect another power dot here. When Jesus promised to send His disciples the Helper, He linked the Holy Spirit to truth: “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you in all truth” (John 16:13). Truth has to lead my battles. When I believe lies, I choose to join Team Defeat. (No thank you.)

Jesus went on to pray for us, His followers, that the truth would protect us from Satan:

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth (John 17:15–17).

God’s Word is truth, and truth protects us. It sanctifies us. Helps us grow in holiness. Helps us recognize the difference between God’s ways and the ways of the world.

The Holy Spirit leads me to a faith with greater power because the Spirit of God will always lead me in the ways of the Word. Toward knowing, obeying, loving, and trusting Jesus in everything. I want that. So I pray with the psalmist, “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” (Ps. 25:5).

Yes. Faith is a tug-of-war, but I’m not without hope, help, or power.

And neither are you.

When we call upon the Holy Spirit, who is the anchor of all things truth, comfort, guidance, and power, He helps us gain traction in every battle of life.

Let’s Pray

Lord, thank You for the presence of Your Holy Spirit in my life. Please open my eyes wide to all the courage, strength, and wisdom You have for me in Christ.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

In what area of your life do you feel the enemy is attacking you? What is one thing you’ll do or believe today to help you stand firm in the power of God? “Today I will ...” (Tweet your answer to me @GwenSmithMusic or send me a message on Instagram.)

More from the Girlfriends

Today’s post is an excerpt from Gwen Smith’s book, I Want It All. Get yours on Amazon.

Have you listened to the GRACEOLOGIE with Gwen Smith podcast yet? Hang out with Gwen and friends when you commute to work, go on walks, exercise, run errands or travel. Podcasts are also perfect to listen to as you do household chores! (Laundry anyone?) Each GRACEOLOGIE with Gwen Smith podcast episode is filled with fun, faith-focused, grace-filled conversations that will help you know and trust God more.

These discussions are going to encourage you in meaningful ways to live out and lean on the GRACE of Jesus in the midst of cluttered, messy days. CLICK HERE to listen on iTunes, or visit GwenSmith.net/Graceologie for more information.

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

Girlfriends in God
www.girlfriendsingod.com

What help do I have to stand firm against attacks from Satan and his cronies?