My mom wore a two-carat diamond necklace that hung from a gold chain around her neck. My dad had given it to her for an anniversary. Before you say, “Good for her,” keep reading.
One day, when she was shopping in my little hometown, she walked through an alley separating two buildings. This spunky seventy-something year old held several packages and her purse looped over her wrist.
About midway through the alley, three teenage boys on bicycles circled her like buzzards over roadkill. One hopped off his bike and grabbed at her necklace. The others continued circling and keeping watch.
But rather than give the would-be-robber what he wanted, mom dropped her packages and began hitting the boy over the head with her purse. I kid you not. Who knew people really did that?
She was so mad; she took a few swings at the other boys as well.
“You get out of here you little rascal!” she yelled. “Leave me alone! I’m going to get you, you little…” Truth be known, she probably yelled some words that I will not include in today’s devotion.
I think the guys were so startled that she fought back; they got on their bicycles and scurried away.
A few months later, mom took the two-carat diamond into the jewelers for cleaning. After close inspection he dropped his head and said, “Mrs. Edwards, I don’t know how to tell you this, but this diamond isn’t real. It’s a fake.”
We’re not sure what happened. We’re not sure if my dad had been tricked and thought it was real, or if he knew it was a fake all along. He was already in heaven, so we couldn’t ask. (I bet my mom did when she got there though.)
Here’s what I learned that day. What we believe to be true affects the way we act and react. Personally. Spiritually. Emotionally.
And friend, what we believe about the Bible affects the way we act and react. Personally. Spiritually. Emotionally.
Paul states, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV). The Greek word for “God-breathed” or as some translations say, “breathed out” is “theopneustos,” which means “inspired by God” or literally the very “breath of God.”
Some translations use the word, “inspired,” but it’s so much more! Inspired sounds like creative impulse. God-breathed means that every word in the original text of the Bible originated in the heart of God and was breathed into the heart of man so that they could write down exactly what God wanted to communicate.
Billy Graham said it so well, “The Bible has stood the test of time because it is divinely inspired by Almighty God, written in ink that cannot be erased by any man, religion, or belief system.”
God tells us in 2 Timothy 4:3: “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”
Never have I seen Scripture more distorted than I have in the last ten years. It breaks my heart that what the Bible clearly states as wrong is now considered right. And what the Bible clearly states as right is now considered wrong.
How it must break God’s heart when His people ignore parts of The Truth that don’t align with what they want to be true. Let that never be us…Girlfriends in God forever.
Oh sister, cling to God’s Word as the ultimate truth—infallible and inerrant. If there is one truth we want you to hang onto after our time together it is that. God’s Word is true.
Heavenly Father, thank You for these wonderful women in my on-line family of faith. I pray You will continue to bless them exceedingly, abundantly, more than they can ever ask or think, just as You promise in Ephesians 3:20. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
How does believing the Bible is true change the way you live? React? Act? Leave a comment and share one way.
Speaking of truth, do you believe the truth about who God says you are? Do you doubt it? Let my book, Enough: Silencing the Lies that Steal Your Confidence remind you of your true identity in Christ. Don’t let the enemy tell you any different.
© 2023 by Sharon Jaynes. All rights reserved.
Comments 60
Thank-you Sharon for sharing such a great truth with us.
I can live my life amidst turmoil, grief, pain and confusion because of God promises .
I know we will have trouble in this world …. BUT GOD!!! Hallelujah!
God bless you Sharon ❤️
Although I am extremely sensitive because of the Holy Spirit and God’s love for me, I choose to forgive those that have sinned against me.
Absolutely, God’s Word is “a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path!” We will not stumble if we allow God’s Word to illuminate the path we are on!
“Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee!” Thank you, Sharon for your words of encouragement. 🫶
Reading the Bible and praying are two things that strengthen a Christian against false beliefs. Thank you , Lord. I stand alone on the Word of God.
Believing the truth from the Bible is the root of my relationship with God. His words are true.
Thank you Sharon for this wonderful reminder and for stepping out in faith to encourage women. Asking God to bless you,sister.
♥️
Thank you Sharon for upholding the truth of scripture. I am saddened by the number of denominations that are adjusting their policies to fit the social construct of today’s culture. May God help us to have a biblical response in every encounter we may have with others.
Thank you Sharon for sharing this 2 Timothy verse. It was one of my husband’s favorites when he was a youth pastor for about fifteen years. He has since turned away from reading the Bible. Could you pray he suddenly picks up the Bible and has a desire to reflect Christ’s image? I know he believes in Jesus – but how do you find wisdom in this world? How do you grow without looking at God’s Word? Thank you so much for your weekly devotion – that is one of the ways I personally stay in step with God.
The Bible says that everything that happens in the life of a child of God has meaning. The fact that I believe that scripture allows me to take the good with the bad. As I’m getting older I realize that there really isn’t a lot of bad. Only obstacles that allow me to push a little harder. So believing that the Bible is truth gives me clarity and understanding of life.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I needed to read this devotional more than you know. A couple of weeks ago I listened to an online church service at a church I used to be a member of. I’d heard there was a new pastor and things had changed a bit, but I thought, “they couldn’t have changed that much.” At least twice in his sermon, this pastor stated, “the Bible is sometimes wrong.” “The Bible is not always right.” My heart cringed and I walked away from this service devastated. I was always taught the Bible is God’s Word and the Truth. Thank you for this devotional, to help solidify what I’ve always believed.
Believing the Bible is true tears down every thought that pops into my head that is against the Word of GOD. These untruthful and fear-provoking thoughts do not stick around very long. The Bible is truth. Praise GOD!
The Bible has given me a strong desire for the truth and accuracy of it so I can live my life in obedience to the Word and its principles.
Thank you!
I want to tell you I love what you write it touches my heart and my life. I love Jesus and want to do better for me and him.he’s my life and my life belongs to him. He has and with forever be in my heart and life. Thank you for these devotional email.
Believing the Bible is true gives me courage. I know that I am not alone. It has taught me how to react; to listen, be slow to anger, to think and respond with love.
I’ve been reading Girlfriends in God for 17 years, every morning with my coffee. It has truly been my guide for each and every day. God bless you!
I am by nature a “rule follower” and have been described as “SO black and white” but if the Bible says it – I believe it and there are no exceptions. Do I fail miserably some days – absolutely! I remember my parents’ discussions about “in my day” but agree it seems our world is going backward in every area of truth. God’s word is indisputable and I am learning to hold to my beliefs and practice truth in love. Thank you for always blessing our day.
Wonderful illustration Sharon.
Sharon, I have been reading Girlfriends in God almost since it started. What God has done through you in my life has been more than a blessing.
I praise God for you and I thank you for letting God use you to help me in my journey with Him. Jesus has been Glorified..
The Holy Bible is the Sovereign Word of God and governs how I choose to live my life as a Christian woman.
Believing the words in the Bible are God-breathed touches my heart in a way I find hard to describe. I was recently called to start a new job after 15 years. After my first day (yesterday) I started to question if I could do this job, if I was smart enough, good enough and if this was really where He wanted me. I turned to Gods word and know with Him I can do all things. He closed the last door and opened this door for a reason. That brings me courage and comfort.
Thanks for such a great object lesson! “Finding the TRUTH” has been my mantra over these last few years, starting with Covid and now, even more so, with all the hoopla around Pride month. When I want to be angry because people are distorting the truth, I am constantly reminded that we are all sinners and all need the truth! And we all need prayer. Bless you and your ministry.
I live to glorify God.
I try to react the way that Jesus would.
I act like a child of God.
Oh Sharon…I’m so glad I’m a part of your blog….I loved you when you were with Girlfriends in God (until the end of this month!!) but to have your precious wisdom on an on-going basis like this is so wonderful!! Thank you for doing this. I am praising God for you with each entry you write. God Bless You!!!
I agree 100%. In fact, my husband and I wrote a book called TRUTH MATTERS – GOD’S WORD IS TRUTH. We have passed it out to friends and family and to people in our church, including the pastor and his wife. I would be happy to send you a copy. It’s 134 pages long and contains 20 chapters that deal with God’s truths and also the lies that we are told by our culture in an effort to point people in the right direction, a Godly direction. We wrote it over a period of two years and did much reading, research, meditation and soul searching and with the help of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit guiding us all along the way. If you would like, I could send you a copy at no expense to you. It’s not available on Amazon. Just give me an address and I would be happy to send you a copy. I have been a reader of your columns for a long time and have enjoyed them greatly. God Bless, Your sister in Christ. Larraine Olnowich
Thank you for reaffirming what I believe! I have been a Methodist since I married my husband in 1977. It breaks my heart to leave our church and many friends but we must. We are to be in the world not of the world. For me, this is not about the LGBTQ community as much as about the interpretation of scripture or theology we are beginning to hear from our pulpit now. Praying we will soon be God led to a new church home. Praying to for the Church as a whole!
Thank you for reaffirming what I believe! I have been a Methodist since I married my husband in 1977. It breaks my heart to leave our church and many friends but we must. We are to be in the world not of the world. For me, this is not about the LGBTQ community as much as about the interpretation of scripture
Love every part of this devotional. Thank you .
Before I used to read trashy love story novels, but when I became a Christian I stopped reading them. When I was searching for God, I gave up reading those novels and checking my horoscope. I grew up in a Christian school where there was worship in the mornings, memorizing memory verses, praying before class starts, and there was Bible class as a subject or course. So I’ve always believed the Bible is true. Not only that but my family also believes in Jesus. My great grandpa was the one that brought Protestantism from the high islands to the low islands. So, reading the Bible and studying the Bible is a practice and norm of life in the islands. In my search for God, I read Jeremiah 29:11 and that’s when the veils (imaginary) lifted. Prior to that I have an illness where I became an invalid. I was also hearing voices.. All that time I thought it was God punishing me. Jeremiah 29:11 changed my life. After that incident I was slowly slowly being healed. All because of God’s grace.
I’m 80 years old now but have looked forward to all the wonderful words of love and encouragement you’ve shared. I hope I’ll be blessed with many more. Thank you Sharon. You’re a sweetheart.💞
Amen to your message for us today
i would love your prayers
I am trying to find a Church that teaches Gods Word as He had it written for all of us to read.
Truth for sure! God’s Word is always true and wise❤️🙌
I appreciate devotionals that support the Truth of God’s Word. Thank you for sharing His Truth with us
The truth of God’s word has caused me to be more aware of how I view this world and people. There are so many people who have never met Jesus or thought they met him, but it’s not reflected in their lives. Anyone who meets Jesus gets changed. The truth must be shared.
Thanks Sharon for this message. It’s always a blessing and encouragement. Bless you
I love the scripture you bring forward. 2 Timothy 4:3 is evident in our daily life now.
If only they could open their hearts to the truth.
I see God’s evidence every morning while having quiet time on the back porch with my dog Sarabi.
I feel his love through his creation.
Believing the Bible is true gives me comfort at knowing the end is not really the end.
And my end draws near.
Thank you for doing what you do dear sister.
The Bible is my guide book to life and how he wants us to live it. Although I’m not perfect and I know I mess up a lot I know of people that have twisted the Scriptures up to fit and accommodate the way that they live their life. I think that it’s very sad that they are redefining the Scriptures to fit their needs and to make themselves feel OK with it.
Thank you for stating what is true and ever lasting – I so appreciate the thoughts that you bring forward and remind us of and encourage
Loved this. Ty for this truthfully written guide to live by, Sharon.
Thank you for standing fast on the truth of scripture. God bless you abundantly.
Thank you so much
I have a very heavy purse and most women’s purses are heavy
I have often said when others
Remark how heavy it it is
I remark it is my weapon.
I remember the woman on the TV program Laugh In …… sitting on the beach
And she would hit someone with her purse.
My purse has everything for my errand or appointment
And it is heavy.
I have many different bibles when I read from the Life Application Study Bible NIVB
In large print it is so heavy.
I read first NKJV the One Year Bible
And then compare it with C S Lewis
Bible NRSV
Bible can be heavy but it has everything I need for the day.
I am 90 years old and each time I read no matter how many times
I find something new the lord wants to reveal to me.
Girl friends in God has been such a blessing keeps you young at heart.
❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for your wisdom. You’re words have touched me in times of trouble and disappointment.
I take God’s word seriously around everyone I encounter- we are his walking story. I also try to be a godly example to my grandchildren. They are the Lord’s heritage.
Because I believe the Bible I live differently than the world does. I don’t participate in things of the world because God’s Word tells me I am a peculiar people. I dont go to parties where there is alot of drinking and people using language that is against the Bible. And I try to be kind and show compassion wherever I go and with whom I meet. I just try to be so much different than this world in the way I live. I have to admit sometimes I react without thinking of how it will sound or be accepted, God is still working on me in this area. I am getting better, but no quite there yet.
Believing that God made sure to give us His words is the only way I can make it through each day.
I just love this reading. With all the lies and troubles going on around the world, it is a great reminder that God’s word is TRUE. Sometimes I think that we are made to feel like we’re out of touch with reality but God’s word is real, No matter what looks good, my grandmother used to say, “ everything that shines is not gold.” I am finding that to be true. Thanks for the reminder.
Just like the song, the bible is to me: On The Solid Rock I Stand, Everything Else Is Sinking Sand!😍
Enough by Sharon Jaynes is a must read. If you have been biting the lies of the devil replace those with God’s Word. The only Truth!
It makes me pause on how I act and react, and what I’m thinking and saying. When I get it wrong, or I mess up royally, I go to God in prayer, ask for forgiveness, and repent of my ways.
Such a good reminder. In an ever changing world, we must cling to the unchanging Word of God.
I believe the bible with all my heart!
I don’t argue contentious points anymore. I state what I believe is true and leave it at that. There is always someone who wants to argue some points. I know that one day the truth will be revealed to all.
Thank you for your devotionals Sharon! I am a wife of 31 years and my husband was diagnosed with Neurologic Dementia. He is negative about the whole thing so reading your devotions help me bring God into our house. It is so hard for me to deal with this because I know God has a way. But he does not because of the illness. Thank you for writing. It gives me hope. And yes his family is not around at all and I have tried to get them involved. It is hard. But PRAISE GOD!
I live every day trying to please God. I read the Bible but I feel like work gets in the way of Bible studies. But I know Jesus is my savior and I will go to heaven!
It gives me wisdom and truth to walk in while, being renewed in Christ Jesus.
It is so important to glorify Christ and honor Him in all we do because,
The Bible says that we are redeemed, chosen, known, and loved by Him.
Thank you all for this ministry of so many years. It has truly been a blessing and huge inspiration for me and the many I have had the opportunity to share with its content! You will be missed! Praying blessings for your future endeavors .
I believe the Holy Bible. I believe what it says about me. If I didn’t, and listened to the world, (and some family members) I would have lost my mind by now. 2Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us (ME) the spirit of fear: but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. AMEN.
Juselda Brown
JUNE 21, 2023 AT 7;53 PM
I believe the words of the Holy Bible because they are God’s word and I believe they are true I live by
those words!!!.
Thank you for this message Sharon! The Bible of God’s word fills you with contentment, joy, and riches in delight. We are all blessed.
Thank you Sharon,
I am so blessed to have your devotions in the mornings. You always give me strength through God’s word to make it through another day. May God bless you in all you do.
A Godly friend recently posted this
meme on Facebook:
“My problem is, I want to follow Jesus and slap people, too.”
It made me laugh hysterically because – like me – she is neither a violent person, nor swift to anger – so the image it brought to mind was incongruous enough to inspire my amusement; but also because – like me – she does not ‘suffer fools gladly’….at least not naturally….so I could relate! I am happy to say that we both resist that natural urge (most of the time, at least!) because we believe the Bible is true, and because we pray daily for the infilling of the Holy Spirit to make us more like Jesus and less like US. God said to love our neighbours; He said to turn the other cheek; and He outlined the fruits of the Spirit – many of which would not be in evidence in the slapping of others.