The Women of Christmas

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

"Surely the arm of the Lord is not to short to save, nor his ear to dull to hear." Isaiah 59:1 NIV

Friend to Friend

When the writers of the Old Testament penned the words to the long lists of lineages, the so-and-so begat so-and-so's, they always listed the males. Nary a time do you find a woman's name in the list. But when we turn the page from the Old Testament to the New Testament, we see God honoring women in a brand new way. Even in the lineage of Jesus recorded in Matthew chapter one, we see four women in addition to Mary in the list! For that time in history, that was quite radical!

Now, if you were going to be part of this liberating radical movement to recognize women in the Holy Scriptures, whom would you pick? Oh, I'd probably include Mrs. Noah. She had to be a very patient, submissive wife to be able to put up with all those animals and Noah's wild ideas.

Or perhaps I'd pick Mrs. Moses. Zipporah must have been a very godly woman to allow her husband to travel about in the dessert for all those years. Besides, any woman who has a husband in leadership knows the sacrifices she must have made.

Or perhaps I'd pick Sarah. After all, she did bear a child when she was ninety and was married to the Father of many nations.

But no. God did not choose one of these women to be listed in the lineage of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He chose Rahab -- a redeemed woman who had been a prostitute before she joined the children of God. He chose Tamar -- who had an incestuous relationship with her father-in-law. He chose Bathsheba -- who had an affair with King David and bore a son. And He chose Ruth -- a woman from a cursed nation.

Oh friend. Do you see it? I am so glad that God chose these women. Through their lives, God shows us that there is no place so far from God that He cannot save us, redeem us, and ultimately use us for His glory. His arm is not too short to save us from the deepest pit imaginable. That was true for those four women, and it is true for you and me. That, dear one, is the story of Christmas.

Let's Pray

Dear Heavenly Redeemer, I am so thankful that You chose the weak things of the world to shame the wise. I am one of those "weak things" and I am constantly amazed that You chose me and use me for Your glory. Praise You, Lord.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Now It's Your Turn

Over the next few days, go back, read the stories of three women listed in Jesus' genealogy, and see what you can learn about their lives.

Rahab: Joshua 2

Tamar: Genesis 38:1-30

Bathsheba: 2 Samuel 11

After reading about them, answer these questions:

What did God take them from?

What did God take them to?

What does this tell you about the people that God can use?

Gifts for Jesus

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift." 2 Corinthians 5:15 NIV

Friend to Friend

Imagine for a moment, that you have never heard the Christmas story and you visit a shopping mall on December 22. You listen to the music being played over the intercom system and eavesdrop on a few shoppers' conversations. Next, you stop by a greeting card shop and browse through the rows and rows of red and green envelopes with cards sporting colorful and comical messages. Window displays grab your attention, enticing you with promises of low prices for the last minute shoppers. Stress-laden faces rush by carrying stacks of boxes in various shapes and sizes. What conclusions would you draw about the event that culminates on December 25?

Much has changed since the God of the universe decorated the night sky with the star of Bethlehem and directed the choir of angels in a chorus announcing the birth of Our Savior, Jesus Christ. But the commercialism doesn't have to rule in our hearts and homes. This year, let's focus on the Christ Child and remember the true meaning of the holiday season. As we turn our eyes to the Babe in the manger, we will not view Christmas as a dreaded obligation or a major retail event. It will be a time of joyous celebration, honoring the One Who came to give us eternal life and reconcile fallen mankind to our Heavenly Father.

One way to celebrate a Christ Centered Christmas is to make sure to include Jesus on your gift list this year. Whoever heard of going to a birthday celebration and everyone receiving a present except the birthday child? How would you, as a parent, feel if you had a birthday celebration for your child and everyone received a present except your child? As strange as that may seem, most of us do that every year. This Christmas, let's make the "guest of honor" the first person on our gift list.

But the problem is, what do you give the "Man who has everything?" You give Him your heart, your obedience, your love, your anger, your bitterness. You give Him a commitment to spend more time with Him, love your husband better, pray for your children more. Why, he even takes our burdens and accepts them as precious gifts!

This Christmas, think of something you would like to give Jesus for His birthday!

My Gift

By Christian G. Rossetti

What can I give Him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd

I would give Him a lamb.

If I were a wise man,

I would do my part.

But what can I give Him?

I will give Him my heart.

Let's Pray

Happy birthday Jesus. I'm so glad you came to dwell among us. We celebrate your birth, your life, and your great sacrifice. You are our most precious Christmas gift, and now, we humbly give our hearts to you.

In Your Name,

Amen

Now It's Your Turn

Think about what you would like to give Jesus for His birthday this year. In our home, we write what we want to give Jesus on small pieces of paper, place the papers in a small box, and wrap it in Christmas paper. No one knows what the others wrote. It is between Jesus and the giver. Then I place the gift by the nativity on Christmas morning.

More from the Girlfriends

For more ideas of how to keep Jesus the focus of the holiday season, see Sharon's book, Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas. It is a beautiful hardcover book with lovely photographs. A perfect gift for the person who has everything and one size fits all!

Ignored by Man, Chosen by God

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

"The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV

Friend to Friend

The prophet Samuel was really bummed that King Saul had disobeyed God. As soon as King Saul began singing "I did it my way," God took his kingdom away. Samuel went to bed, pulled the cover up over his head, and checked out of life. But God told him to get up! He had a new King already picked out, and Samuel was going to be the one to anoint him.

By God's instruction, Samuel traveled to Bethlehem to the house of Jesse. He knew where to go and what family the king would come from. He knew the next king would be one of Jesse's sons...he just didn't know which son.

Samuel arrived in Bethlehem and asked Jesse to bring all of his sons out for his inspection. Jesse brought out each of his seven sons, one-by-one. As Samuel prayerfully approached each young man, God said, "No, that is not the one...No, that is not the one...No, that is not the one." Seven times God refused Jesse's sons. Finally, exasperated and confused, Samuel asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?"

"Oh yeah, I do have one more son," Jesse said. "I almost forgot all about him. Little David is out taking care of the sheep. I'll send someone to get him."

David was so insignificant to his own father, that when the prophet requested an audience with all of his boys, the dad didn't even think to invite him. However, he was the very one God had selected to be the next ruler of His chosen people. How exciting! You may have felt overlooked, disregarded, and ignored, but God has chosen you to be His child!

Let's Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me! While I often feel insignificant in the world's eyes, I know that I am precious in Your eyes. I love You so much.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Now It's Your Turn

• Have you ever felt insignificant and overlooked by others, maybe even your own family?
• Did you know that even Jesus faced the same from his own family?
• Read Mark 3:20-21. What did Jesus' family think about him as he began his ministry?
• Go back and ponder today's truth. It would be a great verse to commit to memory.

More from the Girlfriends

God has chosen you for a purpose and has work for you to do! Do you want to learn more about the plans that God has for your life? If so, you'll want to read Dreams of a Woman: God's Plans for Fulfilling Your Dreams by Sharon Jaynes

A Courageous Queen - Part 2

Today's Truth

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV (emphasis added)

Friend to Friend

Yesterday, I told you about young Katie Signaigo who lost her leg to cancer when she was eleven-years-old. We left Katie at the hospital, helping another little girl facing the same operation. But that was just the beginning!

Katie graduated from high school and attended the University of Central Arkansas. While there, she watched an Oprah program that featured Aimee Mullins, a double amputee who had become an athlete and a model. Aimee spoke freely about her amputations and her prosthetic legs. She even showed various legs that she used for different occasions.

Watching Aimee gave Katie the courage not to be ashamed of her prosthetic leg. "Because of Aimee's confidence and comfort with herself, I was able to start to fully accept myself," Katie explained.

With a new found confidence, Katie decided to make her debut in a grand way. Katie entered the Miss UCA (University of Central Arkansas) pageant! Like all the other pageants, Katie participated in the talent, evening gown and interview competition. But Katie won the hearts of the crowd when she proudly walked down the catwalk...in the bathing suit competition. There have been many tearful moments as pageant sponsors have placed the crowns on a winners' heads. But I dare say, there was never a more precious moment than when Katie Signaigo was crowned Miss University of Central Arkansas. Katie went on to compete in the Miss Arkansas pageant some months later.

After Katie won the crown, she wrote Oprah Winfrey to thank her for airing the inspiring program that had encouraged her not to be ashamed of her prosthetic leg. She also told Oprah about her courageous move to participate in a pageant and the resulting win.

A few days later, Katie's phone rang.

"Hello. Is this Katie Signaigo?" the person on the other end of the call asked.

"Yes, it is," she answered.

"Hi Katie," the woman continued. "I am calling from the Oprah Winfrey program. We received your letter and would like to have you as a guest on the show."

The next day, a film crew from Chicago showed up on Katie's door. They taped her talking to patients at the hospital and interacting with her family. Then they whisked her off to the Oprah show where Katie talked about finding peace and purpose in her amputation and recovery.

Katie is now twenty-five-years-old and teaching music to high school students. But her first love is telling about Jesus Christ and sharing the peace and hope that only He can give. She has faced more trials than most people twice her age, and loves helping those who are traveling down the road of uncertainty called cancer.

"We are all cracked-pots in some way or other," Katie told a group of ladies at a women's gathering. "We all have our unique flaws. Don't be afraid of your flaws. Look for the positive things in life. Don't let yourself dwell on the bad things. This has been the greatest blessing in my life."

Katie has learned the joy of redeeming the pain by investing in others. And I have a feeling this is just the beginning for her.

Let's Pray

Dear Father, Healer, Redeemer. Today, I see myself walking down that runway with Katie. Yes, I am broken and scarred, but the crown of a princess rests on my head. You have chosen me to be the child of a King! I am beautiful in Your eyes. Today, I choose, like Katie, not to dwell on the bad, but choose to focus on the good. I choose not to focus on my flaws, but focus on the positive joys in life. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Now It's Your Turn

If the Oprah show called you today and said, "We've heard about your amazing story of how God changed your life," what would you say?

Oprah might not call you any time soon, but there are people you meet every day who want to know the "hope that is within you." This week, take the time to write out your story. Who knows, you might get a call to share it at any time.

More from the Girlfriends

I hope you enjoyed Katie's story. If you would like to read more stories of hope and healing, or if you know someone who is in need of a bit of encouragement in a difficult situation, see Sharon's book, Your Scars are Beautiful to God.

Sharon Jaynes

A Courageous Queen - Part 1

Today's Truth

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. " 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV (emphasis added)

Friend to Friend

Katie was born in Wichita, Kansas: a petite blond-headed pride and joy to the Signaigo family. In the following years, two more baby girls were born, and the Signaigo quiver was full. Katie grew up enjoying all the frills and thrills of childhood. She loved school and church activities, swimming and running, and most of all, she loved her friends.

When Katie was nine-years-old, she noticed a lump by her left ankle that wouldn't go away. The soreness would come and go, but the lump remained. For over a year, she and her mom were in and out of doctors' offices trying to figure out what this mysterious lump was all about. She was misdiagnosed as having an inflamed tendon, and then again with blood clots. Even x-rays didn't show anything unusual.

In desperation and faith, Katie's grandmother and mother laid their hands on the Arkansas phone book and prayed for God to lead them to a doctor that could give them an accurate diagnosis. He did.

In 1991, Katie and her parents walked into a doctor's office at Arkansas Children's' Hospital. The doctor took one look at the lump on Katie's ankle and suggested a biopsy. The procedure gave a definitive answer, however, not one that they had hoped to hear. Katie had sarcoma...cancer. In less than a week, eleven-year-old Katie lay on an operating room table while the surgeons removed her cancerous leg just below the knee.

"No one will ever love me or want to marry me!" young Katie cried to her mom as they nestled on the hospital bed. "My life will never be the same. What am I going to do? People will laugh at me and make fun of me. I'll never be able to walk or run again. I'm going to have to live the rest of my life in a wheelchair!"

"Oh precious," her mother spoke in assuring tones. "You will get married one day. You are a beautiful girl. You will run and swim and do all the things you've always loved doing. You are not going to be in a wheelchair, but have a prosthetic leg that will allow you to do all the things you did before. No, your life will not be the same, but it will be great. You'll see. We'll get through this together."

As a precaution, Katie went through chemotherapy for one year. Besides losing her leg, Katie also lost all of her beautiful blonde hair. "When is this ever going to end?" she cried.

Young Katie, wise beyond her years, decided that she would just give it all to God. "I know He will take care of me," she said.

Even though she was weak, nauseated and embarrassed, Katie returned to school.

Eventually, Katie's hair grew back, she learned to walk with prosthesis, and life returned to normalcy. However, no one...absolutely no one but her immediate family, saw Katie's leg. She kept her prosthesis hidden from the world.

Katie had become a Christian when she was nine-years-old, and her relationship with Jesus Christ had continued to grow during those difficult years. When she was sixteen, Katie felt a nudge from God that it was time for her to redeem the past by investing in others.

"I felt God was nudging me to go back to the children's hospital and talk to other kids who were facing cancer or amputation," Katie explained. "I resisted it. Boy, I resisted it. Then, one day a nurse called and asked if I could come by for a visit. 'We've got a little girl here who is getting ready to have the same surgery you had six years ago,' she said. 'Could you come and talk to her?'"

"So I put my fears aside and made my way up to the cancer ward of the hospital. I showed Amanda my leg and let her touch it. As I talked to her about what I was able to do, I could actually see something in her eyes. It was hope."

From that time on, Katie and her mom have made many visits to the hospital telling children and their parents about what to expect and sharing hope. Together they are taking their scars, both physical and emotional, and investing in others.

But the story doesn't end there! Tune in tomorrow for part 2!

Let's Pray

Dear Lord, sometimes it is so easy to feel sorry for myself. Then, I hear about others who have so much more to deal with than my petty problems. Help me to find courage in the lives of people like Katie. Help me to shut down the pity party and begin to celebrate life! In Jesus' Name, Amen

Now It's Your Turn

What went through your mind as you read about Katie and her family's struggle? (Remember, when a child goes through a tragedy, it affects the entire family.)

When did you see the tide turn for Katie?

I hope you said the tide turned when she went to the hospital to encourage someone else. Could it be that God wants to turn the tide of sorrow in your life by using you to help someone else?

More from the Girlfriends

Did you know your scars are beautiful to God? Why? Because scars imply healing and God can use us to share the hope and healing of Jesus Christ because of our own personal stories! If you would like to learn more about how to find purpose in the pain of your past, see Your Scars are Beautiful to God by Sharon Jaynes

"Don't Scratch That Itch!"

Today's Truth

"When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed" (James 1:13-14 NIV).

Friend to Friend

I recently woke up with a spider bite that was the size of a quarter. It may as well have been the size of North Carolina for as much as it itched! I was half tempted to scratch my arm off. That nasty bite was just begging to be scratched. But I've learned a thing or two in my thirty-something years, and one thing I know for sure: it's best not to scratch this type of itch.

It would be like opening a bag of chips with the naive intention of eating only one (yeah, right!) I knew that if I started scratching my bug bite, it would be nearly impossible to stop. I would regret having ever started.

Super-itchy bug bites are a lot like temptations. Temptations are itchy! The call on us with urgent voices that scream, "Scratch me! Scratch me!" Yet, in all reality, a little scratch will not satisfy temptation's itch at all...it will just make matters worse. When we scratch the itch of temptation, the itch does not diminish. To the contrary, it increases.

When we resist temptation, our faith is mobilized and the muscles of our character are strengthened. Joseph was a man of integrity who did right in the eyes of the Lord, but boy did he face some temptation! You can read the detailed account in Genesis 39.

Joseph was seduced by temptation in the form of his master's wife. Mrs. Potiphar wanted her husband's right-hand man to sleep with her, and she pursued him with aggression. It was a hand-delivered invitation to sin that had itchy written all over it. But he flat-out refused.

"My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her (Genesis 39:9-10).

Temptation chased Joseph relentlessly. Oh, how he must have longed for the itching to stop! To give in would be sinful. To give in was simply not an option for this young man of character. So on the day that Potiphar's wife caught him by the cloak and begged again for Joseph to sleep with her, Joseph ran out of the house. He ran from that tempting situation as fast as his legs would carry him.

God was honored in Joseph's response.

He ran from temptation.

We would be wise to do the same.

It took all the will power I could muster to keep from scratching that bug bite. I had to re-direct my thinking to persevere through the temptation. I mentally ran from it. When we resist temptation, God is honored and our character is strengthened. What do you need to run from today?

Let's Pray

Dear Lord, I need You so much. I constantly find myself being dragged away and enticed by temptation. In those moments, please give me the strength to run the other way, and give me the wisdom to run to Your arms. I really want to be a woman of godly character. Help me be that woman! In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Now It's Your Turn

Contemplate the following questions: What have you been dragged away and enticed by in the past? How did you respond? How have you grown from those experiences?

Temptation comes in all shapes and sizes. It might be calling your name from your pantry -- or from your computer -- or from a bottle - or from another cubicle in your office. What temptations do you face today? Name them and run the other way!

Though our sovereign God allows trials to enter our lives, He does not ever tempt us. Tuck that truth in your heart today, and the next time you experience a temptation -- great or small -- recognize that the enemy is behind the allure. Then tell him to get behind you and pray that Jesus will re-direct your thinking.

More from the Girlfriends

I wish my temptations were always as simple as the itch of a pesky little bug bite! But, of course, they are not. Each of us will encounter some real whoppers in our lives. James chapter one tells us that when we persevere through trials and temptations, one rewards is maturity. That really encourages me! I hope it encourages you as well.

Gwen Smith

Resource Inventory

Today's Truth

Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want.

Friend to Friend

When it comes to the resources that we need for life, this promise from the 23^rd Psalm is staggeringly important to remember, because it holds the promise of contentment in our lives. A famous actor was once the guest of honor at a social gathering where he was asked to recite favorite excerpts from various literary works. An old preacher who happened to be there asked the actor to recite the twenty-third Psalm. The actor agreed on the condition that the preacher would also recite it. The actor's recitation was beautifully intoned with great dramatic emphasis for which he received lengthy applause. The preacher's voice was rough and broken from many years of preaching, and his diction was anything but polished. But when he finished there was not a dry eye in the room. When someone asked the actor what made the difference, he replied "I know the psalm, but he knows the Shepherd."

When we know Him, we have everything that we need. An amazing strength and unshakable contentment comes from a source that is not our own. It comes from an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Knowing God makes all of His resources available to us! Resources like:

· wisdom

· guidance

· power

· peace

· love

· patience

· self-control

In other words strength for every area of life! Strength is fertile soil for peace and will bring a harvest of contentment.

Psalm 29:11 The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace.

God did not come to give us human strength. He came to give us His strength!

Isaiah 12: 2 The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

When we count on His resources instead of our own, we will experience true contentment! I read a story about a man who had to cross a wide river on the ice. He was afraid it might be too thin so he began to crawl on his hand and knees, in great fear that he thought might fall through at any moment. Just as he neared the opposite shore, totally exhausted, another man glided past him nonchalantly sitting on a sled loaded with iron weights. How like us! We live each day, crawling through life, settling for our meager strength and our pitifully limited resources, afraid that His promises will break under the weight of our circumstances.

Listen, my friend! There is no limit to His power and there is no end to His strength. In fact, our weakness is the perfect showcase for His strength! According to the American Holistic Health Federation, people who are not satisfied with their lives and seem to have no contentment increase their risk of premature death by at least ten percent. Hudson Taylor once noted that "God uses men who are weak and feeble enough to lean on him." Paul writes in another letter to the church at Corinth, "My power works best in your weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:19) Today, right now, exchange your weak resources for His by giving up your rights, your plans and solutions. Lay them at His feet and choose His plan instead. Then you will find contentment!

Let's pray

Father, it seems that a seed of discontent has taken root in my life. I have tried so many things, hoping they would fill that "hole" in my soul. I have looked to so many people to make me happy. I now realize the only source of contentment is You. Right now, I lay down every lifeless resource and submit to You, Your plan and Your perfect provision in my life. Thank You, Lord, for being everything I need. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Now it's your turn

What resources have you been counting on for contentment? Have those resources disappointed you? How? What steps do you need to take in order to experience His contentment in your life? Try these:

· Admit that you have been counting on your resources instead of God's.

· Recognize that those resources have not brought contentment to your life.

· Choose to allow the Holy Spirit to create God's resources in you.

· Commit to follow His plan and count on His resources for that plan.

· Thank Him for the contentment that you know, by faith, will flood your life.

More from the Girls

If you are like me, I find it very easy to get caught up in acquiring "stuff" - especially around the holidays. Last January, we moved to a much smaller house and had to get rid of a lot of "treasures" we had repeatedly moved over the course of many years and many moves. At first, it was hard to let go of each item...but it got easier and easier as the days went by. Now, I can't remember most of the things I gave away. I am determined that this holiday season will be all about Him and not about things. Make that commitment with me.

Mary Southerland

Playing Church or Worship

Playing Church or Worship

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

Psalm 95: 6-7 Come, let's worship him and bow down. Let's kneel before the LORD who made us, because he is our God and we are the people he takes care of and the sheep that he tends. (NCV)

Friend to Friend

When I was a little girl, I loved to play church with my friends. We would line chairs up in rows and pull out a cardboard box we used for the pulpit. Then the great debate began over who would preach and who would sing. The more aggressive kids wanted the up-front jobs while the quiet ones were happy to just sit and watch the "show". Sometimes one of the kids would pretend to be the Holy Ghost walking around the chairs saying "Boo!" If the leaders did a good job, we would play church for hours. However, if they were not entertaining enough, the kids in the chairs would soon get bored and go in search of more exciting recreation in the front yard. All in all, playing the church game was great fun and a delightful way to pass an afternoon.

Playing church is, however, a pathetic and meaningless way to pass a lifetime.

Every Sunday, churches are filled with those who are simply "playing" games with God. They line up in rows to watch the "show". If it is good enough, they stay and even come back occasionally. However, if it is not entertaining, they will drift off to play some other game in life.

We were created to worship God! Until we recognize that spiritual principle and learn how to practice true worship, we will never be completely satisfied. Only the presence of God can fill the emptiness of a soul. True worship invites Him to fill that emptiness with Himself. In fact, we were made to worship Him. Few of us understand the importance or the life-changing power of worship. Let's look at one woman who was dramatically changed as the result of experiencing true worship. Her amazing story is found in Luke 7:36-50:

"Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is--that she is a sinner." Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said. "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." (NIV)

What a powerful passage of hope and complete transformation in the life of a woman just like you and me. Oh, her sins may be different from ours, but make no mistake; our hearts are just the same -- bent toward sin and destruction. This woman found forgiveness and restoration -- and so can we! Her story is a beautiful picture of the automatic response of a forgiven heart to the forgiving Father. She came, expecting to meet God (vs. 36)

Jesus was the big news in town and the main topic of every conversation. He had healed the leper, given sight to the blind and raised the widow's son right out of the coffin. Everybody wanted Jesus at his or her party. Simon was an arrogant Pharisee who invited Jesus to his home for a feast. Jesus went, knowing that He would have an opportunity to minister to the Pharisees. But He also went, knowing that this woman would come seeking Him. God always responds to a seeking heart. Worship begins with a seeking heart. When we seek God, we must seek Him with our whole heart - a heart that is set on being in the presence of God. "Seek" literally means "to pursue, to chase or to hunt".

An ancient tale from India describes a young man who was seeking God. He went to a wise old sage for help. "How can I find God?" he asked the old man. The old man took him to a nearby river where they waded into the deep water. Soon the water was up just under their chins. Suddenly the old man grabbed the young man by the neck and pushed him under the water, holding him down until he was flailing the water in desperation. Finally, the old man released him. The young seeker was coughing and gasping for air. Reaching the bank, he was furious! "What did that have to do with my finding God?" The old man asked him quietly, "While you were under the water what did you want more than anything else?" The young man thought for a moment and then answered, "I wanted air. I wanted air more than anything else!" The old man replied, "When you want God as much as you wanted air, you will find him." To pursue God means to long for Him with every fiber of our being. God promises to meet us in worship when we come seeking Him.

1 Chronicles 28: 9 If you seek him, he will be found by you. (NKJV)

Jesus made Himself available to this woman, wanting to meet her need of forgiveness. He chose to go to this party knowing she would be there. Jesus waits for you. He longs to spend time with you. He created you out of love and a desire to be with you. When we come expecting to meet God, longing to be in His presence, then, we will begin to worship.

Let's pray

Father, I want to know and worship You. Give me the heart of this woman who abandoned it all to spend time at Your feet. Strengthen my commitment to spend time alone with You. I pray that my heart will long for you so much that I have to come and sit at Your feet. I worship You, Father. In Jesus' name. Amen

Now it's your turn

Ask yourself this question: What is keeping me from spending time alone with God?

Don't wait another minute. Make a commitment to seek God! Choose to:

· Make an appointment with God.

· Come - expecting Him to be there.

· Understand that He will be waiting for you.

· Refuse to let anything keep you from your time with God.

Girlfriends in God

Is Jesus Enough?

Angela L. Craig

Today's Truth

"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV).

Friend to Friend

I recently attended a Women's Conference in which the speaker challenged us with the question, "Is Jesus enough?" My immediate answer was a resounding, "YES!" until she started to unpack the question. The speaker asked us, "Is Jesus enough when your spouse walks out, when you lose your job, when your child dies, when you can't conceive a child, when an illness side-swipes you?" As she spoke, the list seemed painfully endless as the reality of my personal denial of this question hit me like a train coming at full speed. I knew that at that very minute, I could say that Jesus was more than enough, but I couldn't honestly say I would feel the same if tragedy struck my life.

I don't know about you, but when God wants me to learn a lesson, the theme of that lesson seems to recur like a revolving door. So, it will be no surprise to you that the very next day I picked up my Bible study and the author of the Bible study might as well have written, "Is Jesus enough?" at the top of each page.

I asked God this question, "God, tell me why Jesus would NOT be enough in my life?" God answered this question through two biblical illustrations. First, I was reminded that as a daughter of Eve, I have the same innate desire to know how tomorrow will turn out; like Eve I want to eat from the tree of knowledge. My inner Eve would say, "If God loves me then He would want me to know the future so I can feel secure."

Second, I am like the Israelites who wondered the desert grumbling and complaining even though God provided daily for their physical and emotional needs. My inner Israelite says, "God may provide shoes, food, and His presence on my walk in the desert, but I want more than that. I want some fun red pumps, a French bistro with fancy linens and a fast car to get out of the desert as soon as possible!"

What I realized was that Jesus will never be enough for me if I let pride or fear make me doubt His desire to be the provision for my every need. You see, friends, God promises that His mercies are new every day; that we can trust Him to provide for our every need in His perfect time (Lamentations 3:22-25). No matter what your need is today, can you say that Jesus is enough? Do you trust and believe that God loves you and has a purpose and plan for your life? Do you believe that His provision, mercy, grace, and forgiveness are available for you each day? If you have any question about whether or not Jesus is enough, cry out to God, for He is waiting to answer you!

Let's Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you that you promise to provide daily for my every need. I am grateful that I can trust that your Word is the truth and that I can rely on it to provide comfort and insight into any life situation. Lord, open my eyes to anything that may be holding me back from believing that Jesus really is enough. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now it is Your Turn

1. Consider the question, "Is Jesus enough?" Write down some personal reasons of why you believe He is enough or why you believe He is not enough.

2. Read Matthew 6:11. What do you think God is trying to teach us through this scripture?

3. Read the following verse. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matthew 6:34 NKJV). What does Jesus teach us about tomorrow?

Seeking God?

Click here to find out more about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

When We Don't Understand

When We Don't Understand

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

Friend to Friend

My son, Steven, was four-years-old when he contracted a severe case of the flu. He looked up at me with hollow eyes and slumped like a rag doll in my lap. When I took my limp little one to the doctor, he quickly surmised that Steven was dehydrated and needed to be admitted into the hospital immediately.

My heart broke as nurses strapped my baby boy onto a table and began to place IVs into his tiny arms. "Mommy, Mommy, help me," he cried. "They're hurting me! Make them stop!"

"No, honey," I tried to reassure him with tears that matched his own. "They're not trying to hurt you. They are going to make you all better."

He cried. I cried. The nurses cried.

Standing there, I could only imagine what was going through Steven's little mind: Why are these people hurting me. Why doesn't Mommy make them stop? She must not love me. She's not protecting me. If she loved me, she wouldn't let this happen. She must not care about me?

Then I had an extraordinary moment with God as He began to give me a glimpse into how He feels when I am going through a painful time that is for my benefit, but I can't understand. I cry out, "I thought you love me? Why have you deserted me? Why don't You make it stop!" But God allows the painful remedy to do its work. To me it may feel like God doesn't care, but to God, He knows that the temporary pain is necessary to make me whole.

If you are going through a difficult time right now -- a circumstance that you don't understand -- know that your Heavenly Father is right by your side. He loves you dearly and sometimes allows pain because it is the best remedy for our ultimate good.

Let's Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I am so glad that You will never leave me. I'll admit that sometimes I whine, even cry, because I don't understand why You allow certain things to happen in my life. But I know that You are Sovereign and nothing happens by chance in the life of your children. You are shaping and molding me into the woman that You desire me to be. I trust You and Your ways even when I don't understand.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Now It's Your Turn

What went through your mind as I was talking about Steven lying on that treatment table?

Have you ever felt toward God the way that Steven was feeling toward me?

Do you think God hurts when we have to go through painful situations? Let's don't guess. Read John 11:35. How did Jesus feel when He saw the pain his friends were going through?

More from the Girlfriends

Pain is sometimes hard to understand. C.S. Lewis said that "God whispers in our pleasures but shouts in our pain." If you would like to learn more about how God teaches us through difficulties in life, see Sharon Jaynes' book, Your Scars are Beautiful to God. Pain is never without purpose. Let's don't waste our sorrows but use them to minister to a hurting world.

Restoring the Dream

Restoring the Dream

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

I live in Charlotte, North Carolina, 200 miles from the coast. And yet, our local Wal Mart has a random smattering of seagulls that soar overhead and eat French fries and other debris from neighboring fast food restaurants. The truth is, the seagulls are lost. They've taken a wrong turn. And instead of discovering where they went wrong, they've settled for the asphalt parking lot rather than the salty sea. They've reconciled themselves to feeding on the refuge and trash of harried shoppers rather than the fresh seafood cuisine of their feathered forefathers.

It's not just the seagulls who are lost...who have forgotten the reason for their very existence, the habitat for which they were created to survive and thrive. It is human beings as well. Many have become lost. They are standing in the parking lot of life subsisting off of the refuse of fast living.

Someone needs to point them to the ocean of opportunity, the sea of success, the shore of satisfaction. And I'm not taking about money or materialism...that IS mere French fries compared to the abundant life that God has for His image bearers. "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).

Do you know someone who is discouraged? Who has taken a wrong turn in life? Who has let the fire go out on their hopes and dreams? A friend? A husband? A child? If so, hang the fire extinguisher back in the corner and become an encourager who fans even the smallest spark of potential into flame. Let's send those "gulls" and "buoys" back to the sea of opportunity where they belong.

Let's Pray

Dear Father: All around me I see people who have settled for less than Your best. They've given up on their hopes and dreams. But Lord, I don't want to be one of those people. Are there dreams in my own life that I have forgotten? Have I settled for less than Your best? If I have, please reveal it to me and give me the courage to get out of the parking lot of life and soar to places that You had planned all along.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Now It's Your Turn

Let's think about David in the Bible for just a moment. What happened to him when the prophet Samuel come to his father's house in 1 Samuel chapter 16?

Did things go well for David after he was anointed as the next King of Israel? If you're not sure, just skim through the pages of 1 Samuel.

Did David ever give up on God's dream for him?

Do you think that David ever wanted to give up and just go back to taking care of sheep? I think he probably did. But he kept pressing on.

In your own life, have there been dreams that you have given up on because the way grew too rough? What have you learned from this lesson today?

More from the Girlfriends

I don't know what I would have done if certain friends had not encouraged me during the difficult times of life. I do know this, I wouldn't be writing books. If you would like to be known as a woman who encourages others to accomplish their dreams, you might want to consider two valuable resources: The Dreams of a Woman-God's Plan for Fulfilling Your Dreams and The Power of a Woman's Words. How exciting to think we could be part of someone accomplishing their dreams!