Today’s Truth 
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV).

Friend To Friend 
My husband, son, and I had traveled to Cancun, Mexico for a vacation.  It was fun family time, but the trip home was grueling.  The airport was full of hot, sweaty, smelly vacationers anxious to return home.  Unfortunately, because of various delays, the flight was rescheduled for a later time.  Filled to capacity, the darkness of the night could not hide the fact that the aircraft was old, dirty, and decrepit.  It didn’t matter that the flight crew spoke little English, because the plane was so loud that we couldn’t hear what was said anyway.  My son kept insisting, “Mom, when we walked by the plane to get on, I saw duct tape on the left rear wing!”  When the flight attendant demonstrated the emergency procedures, we all paid very close attention.  As a matter of fact, I don’t think I ever remember seeing such an attentive group of passengers. 

After we were finally airborne, the flight attendant announced that because of flight delays, the Charlotte customs office, our final destination, would be closed when we arrived.  So we had to stop over in Florida to go through US customs. 

At midnight, ninety hot, tired, disgruntled passengers disembarked, checked their carryon bags through customs, picked up their luggage at the baggage claim, checked it through customs, and then returned to board the same rickety plane.  This didn’t sound too complicated, except for one problem: one of our suitcases, containing my husband and son’s dirty clothes, did not make it to baggage claim.  It was missing, probably somewhere back in Mexico.  We were a little upset, but filled out the necessary claim form for lost luggage, hoping for the best.  After all, it was only clothes, and dirty ones at that.

The next day as he settled down for some quiet time with the Lord, my husband reached for his Bible.  But it was nowhere to be found. 

“Honey, have you seen my Bible?” he asked.  “I can’t find it anywhere!”  As soon as he finished his sentence, he remembered where he had put it.  His Bible was in the lost suitcase with all the dirty clothes.  Suddenly, the suitcase was no longer unimportant.  This was the Bible that I had given to him on our honeymoon years earlier, the Bible that I had rebound on our tenth anniversary, the Bible with study notes written on every page. We began to pray.  We called and asked others to pray.  We had to get that suitcase back!

As I spoke to the Lord about the suitcase, He spoke to my heart.  Isn’t it amazing how the realization of what was inside the suitcase changed its value?  So it is with My people.  You may look at someone and see only filthy rags, but I see a beautiful creation and a possible dwelling place for My Son, and that makes them valuable.

Never again will I look at the dirty and downtrodden the same way.  I realized that day that each person has great value as a possible container of something — Someone — very special, Jesus Christ, God’s own Son.  He stands at the doors of many who, in our eyes may appear as lost luggage, filled with filthy rags.  But now when I see such a person, I try to imagine, as though I had X-ray vision, a little black Bible hidden somewhere among the clutter, and I can see them as my Heavenly Father sees them –valuable, dearly loved, and precious.

Let’s Pray 
Dear Father, help me to remember that beautiful treasures are often contained in most unlikely packages.  Help me to view each person in my world as God sees them –as a possible conduit for the Holy Spirit created by God.

In Jesus’ Name, 
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn 
Do you enjoy collecting jewelry or other small items of great value?  You can turn each one of these personal treasures into a prayer and ministry opportunity.  You will need the following: 

   5-10 of your favorite valuables; and a safe place to put them, yet visible so you don’t forget that they have a purpose for this activity.

 5-10 names of people you have a desire to begin seeing as God’s treasures.  These may be people that have not accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.  They may be people who do know Christ, yet you have a difficult time loving or viewing as valuable to God.  There may also be someone you know who has a difficult time loving themselves or seeing their life with value and purpose.

 A pen or pencil

A pad of small-sized sticky notes     

Write the name of each person, separately, on a sticky-note or label tab.

      Then place each sticky-note/label tab on a separate valuable.

         Place the valuables where you will see them daily, and commit to pray for each person listed on each object accordingly.

Today’s Truth 
“The Israelites had moved about in the desert forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the LORD. For the LORD had sworn to them that they would not see the land that he had solemnly promised their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey” (Joshua 5:6 NIV).

Friend To Friend 
One night, I was sitting on my sofa doing some paperwork when I noticed a large red fire ant crawling across my sand colored carpet.  Being that I was comfortably molded into the seat cushion, I didn’t want to get up.  So I waited until the ant was within striking distance before I reached for my shoe to put an abrupt end to his journey.  The carpet was just a few months old and I didn’t want Mr. Ant’s remains to leave a permanent mark, so I just banged on him softly.  Just in case he wasn’t “all the way dead,” I left my shoe lying on top of him until I was ready to get up.

To my surprise, a few minutes later, a shaken ant eased his way out from underneath his leather prison and began to limp away.  I guess his vision, equilibrium, or left side was impaired, because instead of making a mad dash toward the door, he began to totter, making a series of left turns and going in circles.

Thirty minutes later, my husband, Steve, walked into the room.  “There’s a big ant crawling on the floor.”

“Yeah, I know,” I nonchalantly replied.

“Why don’t you get a tissue and get rid of him?” he asked.

“I will when I get up,” I answered.

“Aren’t you afraid he’ll crawl away by that time?”

“Nope,” I responded confidently.  “He’s been going around in circles for thirty minutes.  I’ll get rid of him when I get up.”

Sure enough, forty minutes after the ant’s trip to nowhere began; I finished my work, got a tissue, and sent him on a trip to visit the city’s water treatment plant.

This scenario made me think about another creature that traveled in circles.  Well, a lot of creatures in fact: about two millions Israelites – and not for forty minutes, but for forty years.

The Israelites had been under the Egyptians’ shoe for 400 years.  Then God called Moses to convince the Pharaoh that their brick making days were over and it was time for them to move on.  Moses was to lead this band of slaves to freedom – to a land flowing with milk and honey. With plagues that would excite any professional exterminator, God convinced the Pharaoh that letting the Israelite go would be a good idea.  He yelled, “Get those Israelites out of here!”

So they gathered up their belongings (not to mention a few belongings that weren’t theirs) and left.  Led by a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day, they moved forward.  After marching between the towering walls of the parted waters of the Red Sea, they sang for joy. “Hip, hip hooray!  Now we’re on our way!”  Or so it seemed.

But they didn’t joyously parade on to the land flowing with milk and honey.  They didn’t continue in reverence and awe of a God who had already performed more miracles in their presence than most people see in a thousand lifetimes.  Instead they started to grumble and complain. “We’re sick of this food.”  They started to doubt God. “Did He bring us out here to die?”  They started to question Moses’ leadership.  “What are we going to drink?”  They bickered among themselves, argued with Moses, and disobeyed God.  And each time they stiffened their necks, God told them to take a left turn.

For forty years, they wandered in circles in the sand, like my little friend the ant crawling in circles on my sand colored carpet.  An entire generation died out and a new generation was born.  One day the stiff necks’ prodigy had a light bulb moment.  “Hey, we’ve got an idea,” they reasoned, “let’s try obeying God and see where that leads us.”

Of course, we know where it led them, where obedience to God always leads, on a straight path to the Promised Land.

As I studied the Israelites’ journey, I noticed a strange phenomenon.  As long as they were going in circles in the dessert, bickering among themselves, they didn’t encounter many outside enemies.  They didn’t fight many battles.  There was only one.

But as soon as they crossed over the Jordan and headed in the path called obedience, they were under attack left and right.  And so it is with us today.  Many have been led out of Egypt (saved from the bondage of sin) and passed through the Red Sea (Jesus’ blood) only to continue their Christian walk going in circles going nowhere. And amazingly, in the circular walk, there are very few battles.  It’s safe – not much action.  Satan doesn’t need to spend his energy attacking this bunch because they’re absolutely no threat to him.  But let God’s children start walking in obedience and moving toward the Promised Land of spiritual maturity, and the battle’s on.

Why didn’t I get up from my comfy seat and dispose of the ant?  Because I knew he wasn’t going anywhere, so why bother.  But if he had started heading for the door, I’d have taken care of him immediately.

Are you experiencing spiritual warfare in your life … Jebusites, Amalekites, Hittites, Gossip-ites, Mocker-ites, In-law-ites, Neighbor-ites?  Well, praise the Lord!  It must mean you’re headed in the right direction and someone’s not happy about it.  Just keep obeying God and marching forward.  The Promised Land is just ahead.

Let’s Pray 
Dear Lord, I don’t want to be like the Israelites who wandered around in the desert, going in circles for forty years.  My heart’s desire is to hear Your voice and obey Your bidding. Lord, I let go of the things that keep me in a holding pattern, circling over the runway of life.  Lord, anything that keeps me from spiritual maturity, I give to You.  Like the obedient second generation Israelites, I step forward with the anticipation of someone headed toward her personal Promised Land.  

In Jesus’ Name, 
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn 
Draw a picture of your spiritual journey over the past few years.

Are you going uphill, downhill, or in circles?

Which way do you want to go?

Write out a plan to get there.

Today’s Truth 
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:  If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV)  

Friend To Friend 
I hate to admit it, but there have been times when I have pulled in my welcome mat from the front porch.  Once, a neighbor became furious with me for correcting her child.  She called and told me what a terrible person I was.  Who did I think I was for correcting her little angel?  I won’t go into all the gory details, but let’s just say she was less than flattering.  I did apologize but decided on a new no-nonsense policy for dealing with my neighbors.

“Lord, I have a plan,” I said.  “Here’s the deal.  I am not going to make friends with any of my neighbors.  I am going to keep to myself, stay in my own yard, and play with my own toys.  I am going to remove the welcome mat at the front door and make sure the alarm-system warning sticker is displayed in a prominent place.  No borrowing a cup of sugar.  No talking over the fence.  No anything!  I am even going to import my son’s friends.  This “Just Say No to Neighbors” policy is in effect immediately.”

The next day, I dropped my son off at a YMCA basketball camp.  At pick-up time, we moms were standing around talking while waiting for our sons.  There was a pretty blonde there, and I heard someone ask where she lived.  “I’ve just moved from the Myers Park area of town to Stratfordshire Drive in the Matthews area,” she said.  Then she looked over at me and smiled.

That was my street!  She knew I had heard her, and she knew I lived on that street.  I politely returned her smile and felt panic creep in.  What was I supposed to do?  My new policy had been in effect for less than forty-eight hours.

I told God that I would introduce myself, but I reminded Him of my “Just Say No to Neighbors” policy.  After all, I did not want to be rude, just distant.  I introduced myself to Debi, welcomed her to the neighborhood, and chatted for a few minutes.  Then I grabbed my son by the shirt and scurried away.

That afternoon there was a knock at the door.  When I looked out the window, guess who was standing on my porch?  None other than my new cheerful neighbor, Debi who was just dropping by to say hello.  As I opened the door, I again reminded the Lord of my plan, just in case He had forgotten.  My guard stayed up for about five minutes after she strolled into my house. 

Debi walked into the sunroom and exclaimed, “Oh look, we have the same china pattern.  And I see you like to collect things with bunnies on them.  I just love bunnies, don’t you?  I have them all over my house.  Oh, look, we even have some of the same bunnies!”

We discovered that we both enjoyed decorative flags and had one for each month of the year.  Then with a luminous smile, Debi said, “You know, when we moved in and I saw the cute flag with the firecrackers hanging by your porch, I just knew we would be friends.”  And we have been ever since that day.  We go to flea markets together and reach for the same items.  We paint together, look for bargains together, and go on garden tours together.  And although I had been quite capable before, now it seemed I could no longer make any home decorating decision without first getting her opinion.

My “Just Say No to Neighbors” plan lasted less than two days.  Since then, I have opened my heart and home to other neighbors, and many have become my extended family.  I’m so glad that God ignores my silly resolves.  After all, it’s His house too.

Let’s Pray 
Heavenly Father, may Your presence continually fill my home as I invite others within its walls.  May it be evident that You are the Great Host within who permeates every nook and cranny with Your grace and love. Help me to be faithful with the divine appointments You give with neighbors and friends each day.  Help me to keep the welcome mat of my home freshly swept and ready to greet all who come my way.

In Jesus’ Name, 
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn 
Take some time to pray over each room in your home.

Start with your doorway.  Pray that those who enter your house would not only find an open door for friendship and love, but an open door to know and experience Christ personally.

Consider what makes each room special and ask God to make His presence an active part of that room’s environment.

Pray for each chair-that those who would sit in them would find great rest and fellowship in reclining there.

Pray over each bed-that those who would sleep in your home will find peaceful sleep and comfort during their stay.

Pray over anything else you feel is an important part of your home environment-that God would be glorified in each object and activity that takes place there.

Today’s Truth  “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7 NIV).

 Friend to Friend  Sitting in my backyard, I love to listen to the sounds of all God’s critters: birds, crickets, frogs, katydids, woodpeckers, and most of all – children.  Framing our yard from every side, children’s giggles, chatter, and raucous play are a symphony of stringed instruments and percussions alike.  There’s the rhythmic thumping of a basketball bouncing on concrete, the squealing of little girls being chased by boys, the skidding of bicycles tires on asphalt, the popping of a cap gun, declarations of “you’re it” and contentions of “you cheated.”  All blend together in the symphony of youth.  Of course the orchestra would not be complete without the reprimanding of parents breaking up fights and reminding stubborn wills of house rules.

 Rules, rules, rules.  What a bother – especially when you are five-years-old.  When I was five, I never understood why parents had to interfere and ruin all the fun with rules.  I eventually decided it was just part of their job description.  Parent: law enforcement officer who patrols the neighborhood, ruining all the fun for little girls and boys.

 As a five-year-old Tom Boy, my favorite possession was a pink sparkly bicycle with a silver glittery banana seat and u-shaped handle bars.  Streamers were attached to the ends of the handles and blew in the breeze as I peddled around the neighborhood at breakneck speed.  I could leave skid marks as long as any old boy, balance without holding onto the handlebars, and do “wheelies” with my front tire saluting the air.  Oh how I loved to ride around the race track (otherwise known as Pine Haven Drive) feeling the wind whip through my ash blond streaked hair and brush past my bare chest.  It was the “bare chest” part that was the problem.

 “Sharon Ann Edwards,” my mother would call from the front porch.  “Get in the house this minute and put on a shirt!”

 “I don’t want to war a shirt,” I whined.  “Stewart doesn’t have to wear a shirt.  Why do I?”

 “Because you’re a girl and because I said so.  That’s why.”

 My brother was five years my senior and he often romped around without a shirt.  As far as I could tell, there wasn’t any difference between him and me.  So why did people snicker when I rode past them without a shirt on?  I just didn’t get it.  So begrudgingly, I’d knock down my kickstand, stomp through the house, and pull on a t-shirt, mumbling all the way.

 This was not a onetime incident, and my mother tired of making me dress like a girl.  But then something amazing happed.  I entered first grade.  Suddenly something clicked and I noticed that boys and girls were indeed different.  It all started with Isaac Thorp and his big blue eyes.  Well, mom never had to tell me to keep my shirt on again.

 Rules – what a bother.  Rules – what a comfort.  Eventually, I learned that even if I didn’t completely understand one of my parents’ rules, it would usually made sense later.  And you know what?  It’s just like that with my heavenly Father. If I don’t understand one of His rules or commands, it usually makes sense later.  If He tells me “no,” I’ve come to understand that it is for my own good. God’s principles are not randomly contrived to ruin our fun.  They are meticulously thought out and created to protect His children.  God is a lot smarter than we are.  Have you noticed that?  “Because I said, so,” is all the explanation I need from God.  Perhaps I’ll figure out the reasons later – but I may not.  If I don’t, I just need to remember that Father knows best.

 Let’s Pray  Dear Lord, Thank you that You do not set up rules for us just to ruin our fun but to provide our protection.  Help us to stay within the confines of the safe boundaries you have laid out for us in the Bible.  Help us to obey even when we do not understand. Help us to be satisfied with “Because I said so,” when it comes from You.  In Jesus’ Name,  Amen

 Now It’s Your Turn  Write down a “rule” that your parents enforced that you did not understand at the time.

 Now, as an adult, write down the wisdom of that rule and how it protected you.

 If you have children, note any rules that you have set up that they do not understand.  Do you see a similar parallel between your wisdom as a parent and God’s wisdom as your parent?

 Now, here’s more of today’s truth:

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.

The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.  By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:7-11 NIV).

  Today’s devotion was taken from Becoming a Woman who Listens to God.  If you would like to learn more about how to sense God’s gentle nudges and discover the stories and lessons in your own life, this book is for you!  It also comes with a Bible study guide to learn more about how God speaks through His Word, prayer, nature, other people, and everyday circumstances.

Today’s Truth  “Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens” Psalm 148:13

 Friend to Friend  Some of my Girlfriends in God are not going to like this devotion.  I’m not even sure I do.  But I’m going to put it out there anyhow.  During the month of February, I write devotions on marriage.  It is the month of love, and marriages certainly are in shambles all around the world.  Each February, I am flooded with e-mails:  some are appreciative for the reminders on how to love their husbands, some are hurting because they are in their own struggling marriage, and some are broken hearted because of shattered dreams. These women are so thankful for the balm of God’s truth in a very tender area of their lives.  But I also receive lots of e-mails from women who are not married, who do not like the attention to marriage at all.  They are flat out angry and frustrated because the devotions do not pertain to them.  The same type of complaints come in during the month of May when I write about Motherhood. 

 I’ve seen the same thing in church.  “I didn’t like that sermon.”  “I didn’t like the singing today.” “I couldn’t relate to that teaching.” And on and on we go.  You know what I’ve discovered…It’s not about me.  It is all about God.  If the pastor is preaching on a topic that is not my struggle, I pray that God will open my eyes to new truths that I’ve never seen.  If he is talking about losing a loved one, I pray for those who have lost a loved one recently…even though that not might not be my struggle at that particular time.  Is the teaching on raising young children?  I have a grown son, so I pray for those who are in the throes of raising the next generation.

One Sunday, I was singing in church.  Barely singing, I might add.  It was a dry old hymn and I just wasn’t into it.  Then I looked at an older women a few seats down and she had tears trickling down her wrinkled face.  She was moved to tears by that old hymn and was taken to the throne room of grace. “Oh Father,” I prayed.  “Please forgive me.  This is not about me.  It’s not about what I like or dislike.  It is all about You.  Truth is truth.  Worship is worship.  Help my focus be on You and You alone.  It’s not about me.

Listen to how David focused on God during worship:

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:5-8

 Teach me your ways, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. Psalm 86:1112

 So let’s commit to remember together…it’s not about me.  It’s all about God.

Let’s Pray  Dear Lord, please forgive me when I make worship and Bible study all about me.  The purpose of my worship is to give glory to You and You alone, not to make me feel better.  The purpose of Bible study is to learn what Your Word has to say about Your character and Your ways and to discover the truths that lead me into the way of righteousness.  I praise You!  I thank You!  I worship You!

In Jesus’ Name,  Amen

 Now It’s Your Turn  Here is a fun exercise.  Go back and pick out one of your favorite chapters in the Bible.  Now, focus on the verses that you DID NOT underline.

 Here is a wonderful Psalm to use for your extended prayer time today.  Open your Bible to Psalm 136 and pray that prayer of praise with David.  Don’t skip over the repeated refrains…His love endures forever!  He repeats it for a reason.  David meant it.  God wants us to get it!

Today’s Truth   “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!  Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain” (1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV). 

Friend to Friend  Most likely you have heard about one man’s little prayer tucked in 1 Chronicles 4.  His name is Jabez, and his name means “pain.”  I don’t know if it was a lapse in judgment or just plain meanness, but when Jabez was born, his momma was not a happy woman.  She bore this boy in pain and wanted to make sure he never forgot it.  So, she named him…Pain.  All his life, Jabez had to live under the cloud that he had caused his mother great pain.

 Maybe you have echoes in your memory of your mother reminding you that you were a pain.  “You are such a pain.”  “You cause me pain.” “You are a bother.”  “I sacrificed so much for you and you don’t even appreciate it.”  But you know what? Even if someone has made you feel like you were a royal pain,that does not make it true.  God would beg to differ.  He absolutely adores you.  He loves you so much that He even gave His only Son so that you could spend eternity with Him.  We don’t do that for people who are a pain.  On the contrary, we don’t want to spend a minute with them…much less an eternity.

 Let’s go back to Jabez for a moment.  What did he do about the name he had been given?  He prayed.  He decided he was not going to let someone’s estimation of him or the label his mother had placed on him, rule him for the rest of his life. Jabez cried out to God. “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!  Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.”

 1 Chronicles 4:9 tells us that Jabez was honorable – more honorable than all his brothers.  This was not a self-seeking prayer.  He just wanted to be free of the label that had been slapped on him by his momma, and be loved by the God who could slap a blessing on his heart.

 Perhaps you need to renounce a few names that have plagued you for years…

            “You’re no good.”

            “You’re not a good daughter.”

            “You’re irresponsible.”

            “You don’t care about anybody but yourself.”

            “You’re just like your father.”

            “You’re so selfish.”

  Visualize whatever label you’ve allowed, to be written on a name tag.  Now, visualize Jesus walking up to you and pulling that name tag off your chest, crumpling it up, and throwing it in the trash.

 Now visualize Jesus picking up a permanent marker and writing your new name on your heart.

            “New creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

            Salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13)

            Light of the world (Matthew 5:14)

            Child of God (John 1:12)

            Righteous and holy (Ephesians 4:24)

 That’s who you really are – and don’t let anyone tell you any different!

Oh, and what of Jabez’s request? ”And God granted him what he requested” (1 Chronicles 4:10).

 Let’s Pray  Dear Lord, Thank You for giving me a new name!  I pray that I will no longer remember the names that I have been called in the past. This one thing I do…forgetting what lies behind and pressing forward to what lies ahead.  I run the race with a new name…the one that you have given me…dearly loved precious child.

 In Jesus’ Name, Amen

 Now It’s Your Turn  Make a name tag with one of the above verses.  Consider wearing it under a sweater or jacket for an entire day.

Look up the following verses and note what they say about who you are in Christ.

 John 15:15                 

John 15:16                 

Romans 6:18             

Romans 8:14,15                    

I Corinthians 3:16       

I Corinthians 6:17       

I Corinthians 12:27     

2 Corinthians 5:18,19

Whose opinion is more important to you and whose estimation is more correct – the people in your past or the God who made you?  Whom are you going to believe?

 To comment on today’s devotion, visit Sharon’s blog at www.sharonjaynes.com/blog

More from the Girlfriends

One of the most transforming teachings in the New Testament is about our identity in Christ. Knowing who we are and what we have in Christ helps us overcome feelings of inferiority, insecurity and inadequacy.  If you would like to start acting like who God says you are, and walking in the confidence of a woman that is more than a conqueror, then check out Sharon’s book, Experience the Ultimate Makeover and discover God’s transforming power in your life!