Girlfriends in God - Jan. 12, 2007

 

January 12, 2007

 

I hope you are enjoying the Girlfriends in God daily devotions.  We (Mary, Sharon, and Gwen) would like to introduce you to some of our special friends.  From time-to-time, the Friday devotions will be written by one of our friends in ministry.  We call them our "Friday Friends."  So grab your Bible and a fresh cup of coffee and drink in the words from our "Friday Friend", Angela Craig.

 

Javelina

 

Today's Truth

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

 

Friend to Friend

One of my favorite things to do is to run outside – just me, God and my favorite praise music. On a recent visit to my mother’s house in Arizona, I left the house just before dusk to enjoy a challenging run up Dove Mountain. Running along a red rock trail with the sun on my face, the Catalina Mountains at my side, and Third Day singing in my ear, I couldn’t imagine that life could be any better. It wasn’t until people coming down the hill started yelling “Javelina” that I realized my world may not be as perfect as I thought. (For those of you who are new to southwest animals, a Javelina looks like a cross between a farm pig and a wild boar.)

 

I remember my Mother warning me about a herd of Javelina that lived nearby and that they are particularly protective of their babies, attacking anyone or anything that surprises them.  As I’m recounting this conversation in my head, another couple comes towards me carrying big sticks and yelling, “Javelina in your path!” “Great,” I think to myself, “Viscous Javelina in my path and all I’m armed with is a water bottle and an I-Pod!”

 

How often do we walk through this world oblivious to the danger that surrounds us? How do we respond when faced with unexpected life changes or everyday situations that bring fear and stress into our lives?   The Apostle Paul tells us to prepare ourselves and to respond by “putting on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:13-18 NIV).

 

When we take the time to discipline ourselves by studying God’s word, by praying and by taking a stand of faith in God’s power over human ability, we will succeed in conquering the danger that surrounds us on this earth.  In life, we need to carry more than a water bottle and an I-Pod.  Arm yourself with the “living and active” word of God.

 

Let's Pray

Dear Lord, we thank You that You have overcome the danger in this world by Your great sacrifice on the cross. We pray that You will build our faith and that You will create in us a desire to study Your word and talk to You each and everyday, putting on the full armor of God.

 

Now it's Your Turn

1)     What dangers are you facing in this world today?

 

2)     How do you see yourself responding to these events or emotions?  Do you find yourself turning toward the world for answers (your friends, addictions, etc.) or is your first response to arm yourself with God’s truth?

 

3)     What piece of armor do you need to put on in order to overcome your current life challenges?

 

For more on this topic, see Gwen Smith’s CD, Broken Into Beautiful.


G.I.G.

Girlfriends in God, Inc.

P.O. Box 725

Matthews, North Carolina 28106

 

Web site: www.girlfriendsingod.com
Email: info@girlfriendsingod.com

 

Originally published Friday, 12 January 2007.

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