Our Competence Comes From God

Sunset Magazine

Battling the Three Headed Monster of 

Inferiority, Insecurity, and Inadequacy

Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth
“Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God,” (2 Corinthians 3:4 NIV).

Friend to Friend
The three-headed monster of inferiority, insecurity and inadequacy can paralyze a Christian into inactivity and leave her sitting on the bench during the game of life…afraid to get into the game. God’s desire is to destroy the monster with the truth and render him impotent in our lives. Satan’s desire is to feed him with lies and train him to control our lives. Whom are we going to believe?

Believing the truth about who you are in Christ destroys feelings of inferiority. Believing the truth about where you are in Christ destroys feelings of insecurity. Believing the truth about what you have in Christ destroys feelings of inadequacy.

I do not want you to think I am always victorious and never struggle with the three-headed monster. He still rears his ugly head every now and then. Let me give you one example of how he does it.

Many years ago, I had my first large speaking engagement to about 450 women.  My topic was Unshakable Confidence in Christ. Two weeks before I was to speak to the group, I attended a luncheon. Two ladies, whom I did not know, were sitting at my table. They were talking about a speaker they had recently heard at the church where I would be speaking in a few weeks.

“He was the most powerful speaker I have ever heard,” one said.

“I cried all the way through his testimony. Just to think, he had to live with the fact that his son was an arsonist. Oh how God has worked mightily in the family.  The pastor was so moved, he asked him to speak at the Sunday night service. That is highly unusual. I don’t think we will ever have a speaker that good again.”

On and on they sang the praises of this mighty man of God. They used words like dynamic, powerful, electric, and eloquent. I never mentioned that I would be the speaker for their next meeting. At that point, I wasn’t so sure I would be.

As I listened to the ladies, my throat constricted, the tea sandwiches clung to the roof of my mouth, and my heart pounded wildly. Then Satan, the gatekeeper for the three-headed monster, let him out.

“Who do you think you are, going to speak at this event?” he seemed to say.  “Listen to the caliber of people they bring in. This man came from all the way across the country. You are coming from across town. What could you possibly have to say to help these women? If I were you, I’d bow out now before you embarrass yourself.” 

You know what? Even though I knew it was the enemy whispering in my ear, I started to believe him. After all, what he was saying made a lot more sense than the “My new Identity in Christ” Bible verses I had taped on my refrigerator door.

After the luncheon, I decided to go by the church and purchase a tape of the previous speaker, just to see what I was going to be compared to. I walked into the church, paid my $5.00, popped the tape in the console, and braced myself for the hour of power.

Nothing happened.

I fast-forwarded the tape.
Nothing happened.
I flipped the tape over.
Nothing happened.
 The tape was blank.

At that moment, I did not hear the dynamic speaker on the tape, I heard God.

Sharon, you do not need to hear what my servant said to those people two weeks ago. The tape is blank because I do not want you to compare yourself to anyone else. It doesn’t matter what he said. I will give you a message for these ladies. I can speak through a prophet, I can speak through a fisherman, and I can speak through a donkey.         

  

I gave him a message and I have given you one as well. Who are you “performing” for, my child, them or Me? Do not compare yourself to anyone.  You are my child and I am asking you to speak to an audience of One. 

It was indeed an hour of power. I didn’t bother getting my money back for the defective tape. It was exactly what I needed to hear.

So the next time Satan said to me, “Who do you think you are?” let me tell you what I said. “I am the light of the world. I am the salt of the earth. I am a child of God. I am the bride of Christ. I am a joint-heir with Christ. I have the power of the Holy Spirit. I have been delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of Christ.  I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved.”

Two weeks later I spoke with confidence, and God blessed us all.

Let’s Pray
Dear God, I know that without You I am nothing but an empty vessel. However, because of You, I am filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and have been blessed with every spiritual blessing! I can be confident because of who I am as a child of the King. I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength!
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn
When is the last time the three-headed monster attacked you?

Where do you think those feelings of insecurity came from?

Do you believe that the power of God lives in You?

Do you think there is any incident in which God would say “I can’t?”

I hope you answered no! Look up these two verses and write them down. Post them in a visible place and look at them every time your confidence begins to wane this week.
Luke 1:37
Genesis 18:14

Next time Satan lets the Three-headed monster out of his cage to attack you, what are you going to tell him? Tell me one sentence at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes.

More from the Girlfriends
This story was taken from my book Becoming Spiritually Beautiful. If you struggle with confidence, then this book, as well as I’m Not Good Enough…and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves, will give you the confidence you need to do all that God has planned for you to do! Hang on to your hat! God’s about to do something amazing in your life!

Girlfriends in God

P.O. Box 725

Matthews, NC 28106

www.girlfriendsingod.com

  7 Archetypes of the Rapture

Part 1

God, I Look To You

The Wisdom You Need Is There for the Asking

Pastor Adrian Rogers

“He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.” Proverbs 2:7

In Christ there is soundness, strength, security, and satisfaction. When you come to Him with urgency, fervency, persistency, and expectancy, you will hear from Him. He is not going to think you are pestering Him; He is pleased when you ask Him for His wisdom.

Annie Johnson Flint, that blessed hymn writer, wrote: “His love has no limit, His grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto man; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth and giveth and giveth again.”

Ask Him, “Lord, I need to make a decision. What college doI choose? Should I marry this man or not? Is this the job You want me to have? What mechanic do I use to repair my car? Where do you want me to live? Do I rent or own?” Cast all your cares upon Him today, for He longs to fill you with Himself.

For more from Love Worth Finding and Pastor Adrian Rogers, 

please visit www.lwf.org. 

God, I look to You 

I won't be overwhelmed 

Give me vision to see things like You do 

God, I look to You 

You're where my help comes from 

Give me wisdom, 

You know just what to do 

 And I will love You, Lord, my strength 

And I will love You, Lord, my shield 

And I will love You, Lord, my rock 

Forever all my days I will love You, God 


 Hallelujah, our God reigns 

Hallelujah, our God reigns 

Hallelujah, our God reigns 

Forever, all my days, hallelujah

Persuasion

Bayless Conley

Acts 28:23-24 provides us a great example of the next "P" of evangelism,


So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.  And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.


Some people are going to need to be persuaded, they are going to need more than proclamation, because they are honestly grappling with questions that need to be dealt with.  Those questions are like roadblocks in front of them that will need to be removed so they can advance and embrace the gospel.


They may have questions like, "Well, why can't other religions save?  Why does Jesus have to be the only way?"  Or, "What's this deal about the Jews?  Why did the Savior have to come from the Jews?"  Or it may be, "What about people who don't hear?  How could it be fair that they would perish?"


When people have questions like these, they are genuinely seeking answers, so give them Biblical reasons.  If you don't have an answer, tell them you don't know.  Say, "You know what?  That's a good question, and I don't know the answer.  But I'm going to find one for you."  Then go study your Bible and find the answer.
Or go to the Bible bookstore and find a book that deals with that subject.  Or ask a Christian friend who knows more than you do and find an answer.  Then go back to the person and give them an answer.


You will find that when you give people legitimate Scriptural answers, they will respond and often be saved. 

Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways to 

Connect with God 

How Can God Love Everybody?

Let LOVE Be Your Aim

Is God Magic?

From the Heart of Dr. Rexella Van Impe

A little boy asked his mother one day, "How can God love everybody? Is He magic?"

He couldn't understand how anyone -- not even God -- could love everyone. After all, there are so many of us, and some of us are so unlovable. To a child's way of thinking it would take nothing short of magic to be that loving.

You and I know that God is much more than magic. He's our all-powerful heavenly Father! In John 13:34,35, Jesus said to His disciples, A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Jesus knew how unlovable people can be. He knew how unappreciative, unkind, thoughtless, selfish, quick to judge and criticize, and very mean we humans can act. Even within that intimate circle of the twelve disciples, there was envy, jealousy, and even murder. And these were the men upon whom Jesus was counting. The spread of the gospel depended upon the disciples showing love to each other and to others. So to these men, only a few short hours before His crucifixion, Jesus gave the supreme command, "Love one another." And it should be our number one priority today.

But that's just it. We don't love one another as we should. In fact, a good many of us Christians are downright unloving much of the time. So how do we get the love of God in our lives?

Where do we begin?

The place to begin is with the people around us -- those in our homes, in our places of work, in our friendships, and in our churches. Someone has said we need "an observable love and openness." I like that. Love isn't love until it begins at home.

I heard of a woman whose husband was very outgoing, charming, and loving to everyone outside his home. But, often, to his family he was moody and irritable. He wasn't always outgoing, charming, and loving to them. In fact, his moodiness and his venting his anger and frustrations on his wife and children were destroying the love within his home.

One day in an effort to help him see what he was doing, his wife asked, "Honey, why don't you save some of your charm for us?" That took courage, but it helped.

Of course, we all need a place where we can let some steam off, let our hair down, and kick our shoes off and relax with those who will understand and not misjudge us. But there must be a balance whereby we also remember to show our love. Continual unloving mistreatment of those dearest to us will drive them away.

I've heard such sad stories through the years of how people's hearts have become hard and cold because the love they once had for each other had not been nurtured.

Our example is Jesus. I'm sure He didn't always find it easy to show love. The Bible tells us that Jesus was tempted in all points as we are (see Hebrews 2:18). When the self-righteous Pharisees tried to trip Jesus up, it would have been easy for Him to withhold His love from those who were cruel, arrogant, and unjust. But Jesus never yielded to that temptation. He showed love in the most impossible of human situations. Jesus was love in action. He demonstrated His compassion over and over again in His dealings with those who desperately needed help, healing, and forgiveness.

Let love be your aim

The Apostle Paul gave the Corinthian Christians a goal that should be foremost in our minds as well. He said, "Let love be your aim" (see 1 Corinthians 14:1). Those words were preceded by the great love chapter in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13. Those verses are so familiar to everyone, but perhaps their familiarity has dimmed their meaning. Let's look at them.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity [love], I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not [love], I am nothing.

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not [love], it profiteth me nothing.

[Love] suffereth long, and is kind; [love] envieth not; [love] vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. [Love] never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. And now abideth faith, hope, [love], these three; but the greatest of these is [love] (1 Corinthians 13:1-8,13).

What a beautiful description of love! This chapter describes love in three ways -- what it is, what it isn't, and what it does.

Love is:

• very patient and kind
• enduring, without weakening
• able to bear up under anything
• ready to believe the best of others
• loyal no matter the cost
• a growing thing -- growing out of God's love for and in us.

Love is not:

• jealous or envious
• boastful or proud (inflated or puffed up with pride)
• conceited and arrogant
• touchy, fretful, or resentful
• rude and haughty
• possessive
• irritable or easily provoked
• selfish and self-seeking
• glad about injustice.

Love does:

• rejoice in the truth
• not hold grudges
• hardly notice when others do it wrong
• not demand its own way
• hope all things
• stand its ground in defending someone it loves
• not fail -- does not fade out, become obsolete, or come to an end.

How loving are you?

Do you want to measure your "love level"? Here's an exercise that really works. Try substituting "I" in place of the word love in 1 Corinthians 13. Does it read right? Is that an accurate description of you? Can you honestly say, "I am very patient and kind. I am not easily provoked. I do not hold grudges?

The Bible has so much to say about love. Here are some other verses to help us understand the nature of real love. First John 4:8 says, He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. That verse says God is love. That is His nature. He is a heavenly Father who has divine compassion. And if we are His children, we must love, too -- and not just those who love us, but even the unlovable. Jesus said, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven...For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?...Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:44-46,48).

One day a so-called expert on Moses' law came to Jesus to test Him. He asked, "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

Notice Jesus' reply: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."

The man, wanting to justify his lack of love for some people, asked, "And who is my neighbor?" (Luke 10:25-29).

You see, he was so much like us. He wanted to love the lovable, those who were easy to love. But Jesus said we are to love without discrimination, the way He loves us.

It's never too late

Perhaps you feel you've been so unloving in the past, that there is no way you can salvage your relationships. It's never too late with the help of the Lord. It may take time, but God can do a work of healing in your heart so that you genuinely love others. His Word to you is simply this: Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass (Psalm 37:5).

I want you to know that Jack and I love you. Our prayer is that you will learn to speak the truth in love and fully grow up in Christ (see Ephesians 4:15) so that the world will know that you, too, are one of Christ's disciples.

Jack Van Impe Ministries

Box 7004

Troy MI 48007

U.S.A.

Let Your Light So Shine Before Men....

The Power of Your Presence

Bayless Conley

Jesus said in Matthew 5:16,

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."    


The way you let your light shine is just being yourself around people.  Witness everywhere you go through your life, and use words, if necessary.

You can sow seeds just by showing people that you are real.  Some people call it friendship evangelism:  being a genuine friend, touchable, genuinely caring for people, just letting your light shine.

Jesus also said you are a city set on a hill.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nobody lights a lamp and puts it under a basket.  You and I are to live a life that brightly shines the gospel to the unsaved.

I read a story years ago about a guy who had his doorbell hooked up to a big buzzer in the back room.  The buzzer was really loud.  He wanted to change it and put a light there instead that would illuminate when somebody pushed the doorbell.  So he rigged it up to do just that.

The problem was the light would barely illuminate.  He could not figure out what was wrong, so he called an electrician friend.  His friend looked at it and told him, "Oh, you don't understand.  It takes more power to shine than it does to make noise."

That is very true.  Jesus said, "Let your light shine."  Without having to necessarily confront people, they will just notice something different about you.  If you are walking with God, it is reflected in your attitude, your work ethic, and your countenance.  It is a discernable difference that will lead some people to ask about your faith.  You will be able to sow seeds just with your presence.

Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways to Connect with God 





Hidden Secrets In The Bible

 

Plan The Perfect Passover

Epicurious: Plan The Perfect Passover

Browse our best holiday menus and seven beautiful seder plates, plus top kosher wines and recipes for matzoh ball soup, brisket, gefilte fish, and charoset

Martha Stewart: Passover Recipes
1 of 38
Here are 38 of our favorite recipes for seder and the eight days of Passover. You'll find traditional Jewish holiday dishes, including matzo ball soup, brisket, matzo brei and gefilte fish, as well as luscious desserts and treats such as macaroons, apple cake, and matzo toffee.

Passover Flourless Chocolate Cake 

This cake features both chocolate and cocoa; the combination gives it a rich, dark color, and deep chocolate flavor. A chocolate ganache glaze takes it over the top. And, since it contains neither flour nor leavening, it’s perfect for Passover.   




 Yeshua, Our Passover Lamb 

 Is it true that Yeshua (Jesus) celebrated Passover? 

Is it true that He was actually crucified on Passover? 

Is it true that His last supper was a Passover meal? 

Yes, yes and yes. 

The story of Yeshua and the story of Passover are inextricably connected. 

The Bible teaches that Yeshua is indeed the Passover lamb 

or sacrifice for all mankind. 

In this video, see how Israel celebrates the holiday of Passover

 and how believers in Yeshua are celebrating 

Passover in their hearts, every day!

When is Passover?

Passover will start on Saturday, the 7th of April 

and will continue for 7 days until Friday, the 13th of April. 

 On the Jewish calender, a holiday begins on the sunset of the 

previous day, so observing Jews will celebrate Passover 

on the sunset of Friday, the 6th of April.

Turning Desire Into Prayer

Norman Rockwell

Turning Desire into Prayer

Bayless Conley

I want to follow up yesterday's devotional by turning your attention to something I believe is very profound.  It is Romans 10:1, where Paul states,

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.


It is important to pray that people be saved.  In fact, I want you to notice how Paul turned his desire into a prayer.

I think if I were to ask any believer, "Do you desire your family to be saved?" they would say yes.  Or, "Do you desire your friends to be saved?" they would answer yes.  Or, "Do you desire your coworkers to be saved?" they would reply yes.

Well, that is great.  That is to be commended, but it is not enough.  Your desire must be turned into a prayer.  It is not enough just to have a desire that they be saved.  That desire has to translate into prayer.  Prayer that they may be saved.

It's all right to pray generally, but it is better to pray specifically.  I encourage you to make a list of every unsaved person in your life.  Start with the network of relationships that already exist in your life.  Make a list of family members, friends, and associates who are not saved, and then do your best to pray for the people on that list every day.

Most Christians genuinely desire for folks to be saved, but not all Christians pray for the salvation of people that they love.  And even fewer pray for the salvation of folks that they work with.

Turn your desire for the unsaved people in your life to be saved into prayer for their salvation. And start today.

Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways to Connect with God 

A Father's Love

The Prerequisite of Prayer

Bayless Conley

In yesterday's devotional, I shared that God's priority is to see people come to know Him.  Today, I want to give you the first of the five "P"s of evangelism, which I hope will encourage you as you seek to share your faith.
The Scripture is 1 Timothy 2:1-6,


Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.


I want you to notice verse 4 in particular:  God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  He wants them saved and discipled.


As Jesus said, "Go into all the world, preach the gospel to every creature, and make disciples of all nations."  Those are our two main jobs.  Proclaim the gospel to see people get saved, and then disciple them.  God desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.


But did you notice that verse 1 preceded verse 4?  Verse 1 says, Supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.  Verse 4 will not and cannot happen until verse 1 happens.  First there is prayer, then comes sharing the plan of salvation.


We must first talk to God about men before we talk to men about God.  We cannot be successful unless we talk to God about men first.

Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways to 
Connect with God 

A Father's Love

Gary and Bob discuss the recent passing of Bob's father 

and how the greatest gift he ever gave him was the gift of Christ.

It's A Good Morning!

God's Priority

Bayless Conley

In Matthew 28:18-20, we have the top priority on God's list,


And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  Amen.


Just imagine after the Resurrection that an angel comes up to Jesus and says, "Jesus, this is wonderful!  You have paid the price for mankind's sin.  What are You going to do to let the whole world know that they can be saved and they won't have to perish and spend an eternity without God?  What is Your plan?  How are You going to do it?"


And Jesus replies by saying, "Well, My few disciples are going to tell people, who in turn will tell other people, who are going to tell other people, who are going to tell other people."


Puzzled, the angel then asks, "Well, do You have a backup plan?"  And Jesus says, "No."  Still confused, the angel asks, "Well, no offense, Lord, but what if they fail?"  Jesus replies by saying, "I have confidence in them."
My friend, there is no Plan B.  God has no backup plan.  You and I are it!  We are Plan A!  The problem is, too many Christians today do not have God's priority as their priority.


Over the next few devotionals, I am going to share with you what I call the five "P"s of evangelism.  I pray they will encourage you to actively share the Good News of our risen Savior! 

Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways to Connect with God 

The Lesson of the Missing “B”

Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth
Romans 12:5 “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”


Friend to Friend
Sometimes it is the little things that really get to me. As a writer, I spend a great deal of my time in front of a computer – with which I have a love-hate relationship. I love the convenience a computer offers when it comes to recording the thoughts and truths God gives me to share, but there are times when I would like to throw my laptop into the nearest body of water and be done with it. I can remember the days when I literally wrote out every word of a lesson or devotion because I was terrified of even trying to use a computer. I am anything but a technical guru and could see hundreds – no, make that thousands of hours of work 
disappearing into some hidden file, going up in virtual flames or being launched into cyberspace, never to be seen again. Why? Just because I hit one wrong key or pressed an incorrect button. However, the day finally came when I realized that the good reasons for using a computer outweigh the bad and decided it was time to take the plunge.


Through trial and error, and the patience of friends who have repeatedly rescued me from more than one cyber disaster, I have evolved into a fairly capable computer operator. I have retrieved lost chapters and lessons, eradicated various viruses, erected firewalls, foiled hackers … and have come through the fray relatively unscathed.


And then it happened.


I was returning home from a speaking event and decided to use the three hour flight time to work on a writing assignment due the next day. It was one of those unusually sweet and highly productive times when the words come easily and eventually form sentences that actually make sense. I was on a roll – and so was my laptop when the plane suddenly hit an air pocket and dropped what seemed like a mile. I watched in horror as my laptop caught air, crashed to the floor of the plane and slid under the seat in front of me. 


Fortunately, I had saved my work and desperately hoped the laptop had not been damaged in its fall. When the plane and everyone on board regained their composure, I quickly retrieved the computer and breathed a sigh of relief after a quick inspection that revealed a couple of new, but minor, scratches.  


I opened the computer, ready to resume my work. But then I saw it, the now empty space where the “B” key was supposed to be. Evidently, it had popped off in the fall and was nowhere to be found. I wasn’t too concerned. I mean, after all, how important is one little key? There are plenty of other keys from which to choose. They all look pretty much the same. A missing letter or symbol here or there can’t be that much of a problem, can it?


As I began my work, I soon discovered just how much of a problem one little missing computer key can be. All of a sudden, it seemed like every other word I needed contained a “B.” My frustration level rose as my finger instinctively kept hitting the spot where the “B” was supposed to be and found … nothing. Finally, I decided I really needed that key and went looking for it. The passengers around me joined in the search, and it was only a few minutes before the person seated in front of me shouted “Got it!” I snapped the missing “B” back into place. In a matter of minutes, I was amazed at how much better the whole keyboard seemed to function now that the lost key was back where it should be.


We all lose our way at one time or another. An unexpected life storm knocks us flat. A bad choice causes us to stumble and fall. We snap under the pressure of a difficult relationship, and no one seems to care or even notice the pain we feel. But then, like a Shepherd searching for that one lost sheep, God turns to us and hears our cry. He lifts us out of the darkness, gives us a safe place to stand and fills our heart with a new song of praise. And He uses people to do it all. In fact, God delights in using people to reach out and minister to other people who are wounded and lost.  


God created us to need each other. We are daughters of the King, sisters in Christ and Girlfriends in God. When one hurts, all of us should feel the pain. When one of us has fallen, we need to reach out, link arms and hold on until the storm has passed. Who needs your love and encouragement? Remember the lesson of the missing “B” and ask God to love others through you … today.  


Let’s Pray
Father, I know You want me to share the love I have found in You. Forgive me for the many times I have been too busy to see the needs around me. Break my heart for those who are in pain and feel hopeless. Encourage them through me, Lord. Fill my heart with Your love so that I can give it away.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.


Now It’s Your Turn
Read Galatians 5:22-23. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”


Make a list of the attributes listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Beside each one, write the name of someone who needs you to live out that quality in their life. Here are a few examples to help you get started:


Love: Jane - my neighbor who is struggling with her teenage son

Joy: Sally - my friend who has just discovered she has breast cancer

Peace: Linda - my friend’s sister who is going through a divorce


Make a specific plan for meeting each need. (I will take Jane to lunch.)

Put a time limit on it. (I will take Jane to lunch on Thursday.)

Record your experience in your journal.

More from the Girlfriends
Gwen, Sharon and I were recently able to get together for some long overdue girlfriend time. Yes, we had a total blast! But as we talked and shared, we all had the same burden – to tell you that God really does love you! We want you to know that we love you so much, but that God loves you more!


God’s truth is for today. Every time we hear the Word of God, we are then responsible for applying its message. I wonder what would happen if we, as Girlfriends in God, put into action the truth we already know. I have a challenge for us all. This week, let’s be “God with skin on” to the people who cross our path each day. That includes that nosy neighbor, irritating boss, difficult child … as well as our best friend.


I would love to hearwhat God does through you this week because you were willing to step out in obedience. Email me at: mary@marysoutherland.com.


Need help?Beat stress to the punch by getting Mary’s book, Escaping the Stress Trap today!


Check out Mary’s FREE MPs or visit her online store for great deals on books, CDs,
E-Bible Studies and her DVD, Strength for the Storm.


Join women from across the worldin Mary’s Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. The current topic is “When I Am Afraid” and will help you learn how to face and deal with your fears and live a life of victory.


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

It's A Good Morning!

When The Light Goes Out!

When the Light Goes Out!

From The Heart of Dr. Rexella Van Impe

I really enjoy flowers and plants. My husband, Jack, and I have numerous trees, shrubs, and flowering plants around our house.


Last summer I was especially proud of some beautiful ferns we had hanging outside around our patio. Given just the right amount of light and water, they really flourished, with dark green, luxuriant leaves and tendrils that cascaded over the sides of the pot like a vibrant, intricately woven tapestry.


I enjoyed those ferns all spring and summer long, and when fall approached, I couldn't stand to see them die. So Dr. and I carried them to the office and gave them to various staff members to take home.


All except one -- the largest and most beautiful plant of all. We put that one in the office chapel up by the pulpit. It was so beautiful, so fresh -- it was a reminder of God's blessings to us through nature. And many commented on how much that fern added to the room.


Then one day a week or so later, I went into the chapel and immediately noticed that something was wrong with the plant. It was still alive, but its rich green color seemed duller and its leaves were drooping. "Oh my, I thought, "What's wrong? Are we going to lose this beautiful fern?"


Then I saw the problem -- inside the walls of the chapel, the plant wasn't getting enough light. So I moved it so it would get full exposure to the overhead light, and I opened the window blind so natural light came in. And do you know, by the very next day that fern had perked up and looked healthy and full of life again.


The Lord really used that incident to speak to my heart about the importance -- and the power -- of light in our spiritual lives. When we begin to flounder, to feel wilted, weak, and listless, it's a sure indication that we need to draw nearer to the light. The vitality and strength we enjoy in our lives come from the Light of the world -- from Jesus Christ, our Saviour.


I love the beautiful description of the Apostle John, who wrote, In him was life; and the life was the light of men.... That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world (John 1:4,9).

Step out of the shadows

Next, James says there is no shadow of turning with God. Do you know what causes a shadow? Something comes between you and the source of light!


Is there a shadow in your life today? Then find what has come between you and the Lord. Could it be materialism, caring more about this world's goods and "things" than eternal values? Could it be a person -- perhaps you're in love with a person who is not God's choice for you. Maybe the object between you and the Lord's Light is your own desire to be successful.


Could it be that you've allowed indifference, resentment, or a critical, judgmental spirit to come between you and God and cast a shadow over your life?


Take a look at your life today. Don't wait too long! Without a daily infusion of the power of God's Light, the vibrant colors of your life will begin to fade. Your zeal and energy to witness for Him will wither. Your desire to be all that He wants you to be will shrivel away.


Remember, just going to church is not enough if you keep an "umbrella" over you to block out the light. My beautiful fern would have died just as dead inside the chapel as it would have inside a cellar -- without the power of the light! When I let in the light, my plant was fully restored. And the Light of God will do the same for our lives.


But that's not all. We are so much more important to God than a fern plant. His plan for us is so exciting and fulfilling.

You can be God's light

As we continue to draw near to His light, something wonderful happens. We begin to glow and radiate His light until it shines on others still living in darkness. Our lives can be beacons, drawing precious souls to Christ. This gives purpose and meaning to our living.


Jesus himself said to us, Ye are the light of the world.... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in heaven (Matthew 5:14,16)


You may feel that, even at your best, your light is. too small to be of much use. But it isn't. In the gathering darkness of the world around us, even a candle can be seen. And as we work together for the Lord, combining our efforts and our resource, to fulfill Christ's Great Commission in these last days of time, the power of God's light will shine through us and reach into the darkest corners of the earth.


Oh, I want to help light up the world for Jesus, don't you? My heart goes out to people who still walk in darkness, even in the United States and Canada, as well as in other nations. There is such sadness and despair, such confusion and deception. Men and women live under heavy burdens. Young people face peer pressure and temptation. It seems that Satan has launched an all-out assault on mankind.


I understand full well what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote that we live in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15).


If ever there was a time for us to draw near God's light, it's today. If ever the people of the world needed someone to lead them out of darkness into the marvelous light of our Lord and Saviour, it is now. If ever any Christians had the opportunity -- and obligation -- to win the world for Christ, you and I do.


In the words of a beloved old gospel song --

"There's a call comes ringing o'er
the restless wave,
Send the Light, send the Light,
There are souls to rescue, there
are souls to save,
Send the Light, send the Light!"

God help us to hear that call today and to do all we can, give all we can, be all we can to send the light of the gospel.


God help us to SHINE!


Jack Van Impe Ministries
Box 7004
Troy MI 48007
U.S.A.


Visit our web site to view past issues of our Newsletter.

Send the Light!

 

A Quite and Holy People

A Quite and Holy People

In the third century, St. Cyprian wrote to a friend named Donatus:

This seems a cheerful world, Donatus, when I view it from this fair garden under the shadow of these vines.  But if I climbed some great mountain and looked out over the wide lands, you know very well what I would see; brigands on the high road, pirates on the seas, in the amphitheaters men murdered to please the applauding crowds, under all roofs misery and selfishness.  It really is a bad world, Donatus, and incredibly bad world.


Yet, in the midst of it, I have found a quite and holy people.  They have discovered a joy which is a thousand times better than any pleasure of this sinful life.   They are despised and persecuted, but they care not.  They have overcome the world.  These people, Donatus, are Christians . . . and I am one of them. (Gordon MacDonald, Forging a Realworld Faith).

What a compliment!  A quite and holy people.  Is there any phrase that capture the essence of the faith any better?   A quite and holy people.

Quite.

Not obnoxious.  Not boastful.  Not demanding.  Just quite.  Contagiously quite.

Holy.

Set apart.  Pure. Decent. Honest. Wholesome. Holy.  A quite and holy people.

Paul urges the same from us.

"Do all you can to live a peaceful life.  Take care of your own business, and do your own work as we have already told you.  If you do, then people who are not believers will respect you, and you will have to depend on others for what you need. (1 Thes.4:11-12).

A quite and holy people.  That describes the church in Thessalonica.  May that describe the church today.


The Devotional Bible - Experiencing the Heart of Jesus; Max Lucado, General Editor, page 1431, New Century Version, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

The Kurt Carr Singers-Holy, Holy, Holy

 

 The Kurt Carr Singers. 

Shervonne Wells, Yvette Williams, Corey Briggs, Jackie Boyd, 

Keisha Ealy, Sherron Bennett and Kurt Carr