Girlfriends in God - Oct. 3, 2008

October 3, 2008
What’s in Your Nordstrom Bag?
Cindi Wood 

We 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",
Cindi Wood.

Today’s Truth
“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11

Friend to Friend 
I was out walking in our neighborhood earlier this week, when my friend Linda pulled up beside me as she drove to her house.  After speaking, the first thing I saw was the NORDSROM bag on the passenger seat beside her.  The first thought I had was, “Oh, what fun.  She’s been shopping!”  Linda’s initial body language and facial expression indeed, was one that spoke, I’m having a good day and doing fun things.  As the conversation unraveled, however, I found that nothing could have been further from the truth!

During the next few minutes, I learned that Linda was consumed with hurt over her mother’s move to the nursing home. The Nordstrom bag carried her mom’s clothes and toiletries. As we continued to chat, it became evident that my friend needed someone to share her burden and offer encouragement.  What appeared to be a fun day at Nordstrom’s turned out to be a sad day at the nursing home!

Over the last couple of days, I’ve thought a lot about that encounter.  During the busy days of my life, people and things are often viewed as a tag-on – coming in second to the many things that make up my To-Do list.  This is not Jesus-thinking!  Our Lord viewed people as top-priority, coming in second only to His relationship with His Heavenly Father.  He knew the joy of self-sacrifice because He had first surrendered every detail of daily living to the Father.  If you learn to love Jesus, to grow in your knowledge of Him and to increase your worship times with Him, then you will view people as priority!

Is there a “Linda” in your life today?  If you pay attention, you’ll see her at work or hear her on the phone and maybe even catch a glimpse of her in the restaurant.  I can tell you this; in paying attention to who matters to Jesus, you are saying “thank you” to Him for all He’s done for you!

“Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these . . . you did it to Me.”  Matthew 25:40                           

Let’s Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, open the eyes of my heart today.  Help me look beneath the exterior into the heart.  I ask You to place someone in my path today that needs Your love and encouragement.  I want to make people – Your people – a priority in my life.  It touches me deeply that You allow me to minister to others for You.  Thank You.  I love You! 
In Jesus’ name,
Amen                                                                                                                                   

Now It’s Your Turn 

1. Have you spent time alone with God today?  Your effectiveness in “ministering” to others is directly related to your love-relationship with Him!
2. Have you considered that in serving others you are truly serving Jesus?
3. Ask Him to deepen your compassion to serve and to give you a heart that is tender and ready to offer encouragement.

More From The Girlfriends
I find it’s so easy to become self-absorbed.  When I determine to focus my heart on Jesus, He keeps me loving others instead of being so consumed with myself and my own needs. If you’d like to learn more about growing your love relationship with Jesus, I invite you to check out www.frazzledfemale.com.  God bless you on your journey!

Don’t miss the next Girlfriends in God Conference, October 17-18, in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  For more information, go to www.gcccpray.com.