Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

April 1, 2014
Jesus' Scars
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord (John 20:20, NIV).

Friend to Friend

It was just a few days after Easter, and I was reading about the resurrection of Jesus in the Gospel of John chapter twenty. I had read the story many times prior, but this time God opened my eyes to see something I had never noticed before.         

In my mind's eye, I saw the pre-morning mist hovering over the garden surrounding the tomb where Jesus' body had been laid three days earlier. There among the dew stood Mary Magdalene, deep in sorrow and mourning over the death of her beloved Jesus.

But then...Mary hesitates...blinks, trying to readjust her eyes...and discovers the unthinkable. The heavy stone had been rolled away from the entrance to Jesus' grave.

How could this be? Mary thought to herself. Who would have stolen His body?

"I must go and tell the others," She said as she dashed from the empty tomb.

"They took Him!" Mary said as she burst through the door of the room where some of the disciples were hiding. "His body is gone!"

Without asking any questions, Peter jumped up from his sitting position on the floor and bolted out of the room. A much younger and more agile John followed close behind, and eventually passed his older friend.

"He's not here," John whispered as he peered inside the opening of the cave. "His body is gone."

A moment later, Peter arrived—stunned.

"Look," John said to his winded friend, "over there in the corner."

A ray of sunlight pierced the darkness like a spotlight illuminating a lone actor on the stage. At the end of the beam lay Jesus' empty burial cloths. Peter barreled past the timid John and burst into the darkened cave. There was just enough light to see the empty burial cloths and the strips of linen that had once covered Jesus' head.

"What happened here? What does this mean?" they mused.

"Hurry," they agreed, "Let's go tell the others."

Running past Mary, Peter and John ran back to tell the other disciples of their discovery. But Mary stayed in the garden, weeping for her beloved Jesus.

She knelt at the opening of the empty tomb with her hands covering her tearful eyes. Suddenly, a beam of light caught her attention. There, at the spot where Jesus' body had been laid, sat two glistening angels clothed in white – one at the foot and one at the head...just like on the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies, she might have thought.

"Woman, why are you crying?" the angels asked.

"They have taken my Master," Mary replied through her tears. "I don't know where they have taken Him."

Hearing a rustling in the myrtle bushes behind her, Mary turned her head. There appeared another figure as if in a dream. It was Jesus, but Mary didn't recognize or expect Him.

Jesus echoed the angels. "Woman, why are you weeping?"

Mary thought the man was the Gardener. Oh, she was not mistaken. He was The Master Gardener.

"Sir," she whimpered, "if you know where they have taken Jesus, would you please tell me so that I can take care of Him?"

Then Jesus whispered one simple word: "Mary."

At the sound of her name, Mary recognized the Lord.

After a brief conversation, Mary raced back to the disciples. "I have seen Him!" she proclaimed. "I have seen Him!"

"Who?" they asked in confused unison.

"I have seen Jesus! He is alive!"

Later that day, as the disillusioned band huddled in their hiding place, Jesus appeared in their midst. He didn't knock. He didn't open the door. He simply appeared.

"Peace be with you," Jesus said.

But the disciples didn't recognize Him. He looked like Jesus, talked like Jesus, but how...how could it be?

In order to convince the disciples that He was indeed the risen Christ, Jesus made a simple gesture. He held out His hands and revealed the nail-pierced hands. Then He lifted up his tunic to reveal the scar in His sword-pierced side.

It was then... that they believed.

As I read these verses, God played and replayed the frames in my mind's eye, but it was the final scene that captured my attention.

He showed them His hands and side.

Oh God, I prayed, they didn't recognize Jesus until He showed them His scars.

Yes, my child, He seemed to say, this is what I wanted you to see. They did not recognize Jesus until He showed them His scars, and this is how others still recognize Him today...when men and women who have experienced the healing of past wounds are not ashamed to show their scars to a hurting world.

Jesus did not have to retain the scars of the crucifixion on His resurrected body. He could have returned without them. After all, He is the one who put new flesh on the hands and feet of the lepers. But He chose to keep the scars, I believe, because they were precious to Him...that's how others would recognize who He was.

That is still the way people recognize Jesus today, when we are not ashamed to show the scars in our own lives. When we reveal the wounds that are now healed, and tell others about the Healer who made it possible.

Let's Pray

Dear God, thank You that Jesus kept His scars when He rose from the dead. I pray that I will not be ashamed of my scars, but that people will recognize the Healer in my life through my story.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Why do you think Jesus kept His scars when He returned from the grave?

What do you think of when you look at the scars on your own body? What comes to mind?

How can you use the scars in your own life (the ones that are in your soul) to bring glory to God?

Are you thankful for Jesus' scars? If so, click here to get to my Facebook page and leave a comment that says, "I am thankful for Jesus' scars today!"

More from the Girlfriends

Did you know that your scars are beautiful to God? He longs to turn your hurt into hope, your pain into purpose, and your messes into ministry. Don't waste your sorrows! Allow God to use what you have gone through to be a blessing to others. To learn more, see my book, Your Scars are Beautiful to God: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Hurts of Your Past. It also includes a study guide for those who want to dig deeper into God's Word. And for you married gals, I'd love for you to hop over and join us at the new Praying Wives Club at www.Facebook.com/ThePrayingWivesClub.

[Judy Harder]

April 2, 2014
He is Waiting for You
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

Now as they went on their way, He entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home (Luke 10:38, NIV).

Friend to Friend

Balance always requires a fierce and ruthless examination of priorities. Our true priorities are not mere lists of activities completed or goals set, but candid reflections of our heart desires. What we deem important receives the most time, energy, attention and resources. The importance of right and balanced priorities is illustrated by the life of Martha.

Jesus knew that He was always welcome in the home of Martha. Scripture tells us that Jesus "had no place to lay His head" but He often came to this home when He needed to rest or get away from the demanding crowds. At the age of thirty, the Son of God left His natural home and there is no record of His ever returning to live there. He often went to Bethany, to the house of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and even spent His final week on earth there. Jesus didn't have to wonder if He was welcome in this home or if Martha was "ready" for His presence. He knew she was. Can He say the same about us? Do we have the heart of a seeker, one who lives each day aware of God's presence, His plan and His priorities?

Seeking God begins with recognizing who He is and then inviting Him into our life as Lord and Savior. If He is not Lord of all, then He is not Lord at all. For some of us, the problem is not that we lack a personal relationship with God. Our problem is that we are not "making room" for that relationship. Balance comes when we yield to His plan in the everyday moments of life.

One summer, our family went to Pennsylvania where we visited Amish country. I have always been fascinated by the Amish people and enjoyed every minute spent in their beautiful and carefully ordered world. As our visit came to an end I wanted to buy a souvenir to remind me of the peaceful days we had spent there, but everything I picked up was too expensive. Being a committed shopper, I was not about to let that stop me. We travelled up and down the small hidden back roads of each community, looking for the Amish products known only to a few and to those relentless shoppers who were willing to persevere. I was beginning to lose hope when I spotted the small, white sign posted on the fence of a quaint and absolutely perfect house. "Amish Crafts" it said. This was it!

As we climbed out of the car, a sense of peace settled around us like an old familiar blanket. Our voices immediately dropped to a whisper as we tiptoed up the narrow stone path and gently opened the screen door. When we stepped onto the porch filled with beautiful Amish crafts, a woman came out of the house, welcomed us with a beautiful smile and introduced herself as Mary. She invited us to browse and let her know if we needed any help. I have to admit that I was almost rude in my pathetic attempts to catch a glimpse of her home through the porch windows. Reading my mind, she graciously offered, "Would you like to come in and look around?" I thought she'd never ask!     

Mary's home revealed a world very different from mine and an uncommonly simplistic lifestyle I desperately longed to experience. The house was sparsely furnished with only the necessities but Mary described her life and daily routine with words like "calm, uncomplicated, peaceful and serene." When I asked why she had chosen such a lifestyle she sweetly responded with words of wisdom I will never forget, "I have discovered that when my life and my heart get too crowded there is not enough room for God." Exactly!

An unbalanced life is too crowded for God. It is so easy to relegate our spirituality to religious activity when all He really wants is to spend time with us. When the tears fall, He wants to wipe them away, collecting each one so that He can pour them back into our lives as a refreshing rain of restoration. God longs for us to forever run into His arms, sharing every hurt and rejoicing in every victory. The Father yearns to wrap His strong arms around us, bringing the peace and balance we so desperately need.

Instead, we often relinquish control of our life to unworthy demands dictated by a world that operates in "urgent" gear. We forget what is really important. The important rarely barges in while the urgent is always an offensive intruder. The important waits patiently while the urgent demands its own way, creating bedlam and imbalance. Certainly, there are times when the important is also urgent – but we must learn to discern between the two. We wrongly conclude that a busy life is automatically a productive life and think that a full schedule will surely produce a full heart.

I have great news! He loves who you are more than He loves what you do. Seek Him today. Make room for Him. He is waiting.

Let's Pray

Father, I am too busy and sometimes I feel like my life is spinning out of control. I'm tired of the imbalance I see in the way I live. Help me learn how to establish priorities that please You and reflect Your plan for me. I commit to spending time with You each day, seeking Your wisdom and direction. I love You, Lord.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Are you ready to evaluate your life according to God's priorities? Set aside time today to spend with Him. Grab your journal and record the truths He gives you about how to balance your life.

Ask God to let you see your life through His eyes. Be willing to change what needs to be changed in order to invest your time wisely.

Determine the top five life priorities of your life - right now. Take a deep breath and brutally examine your calendar and checkbook to see where you spend most of your time and resources. We can give lip service to what we think our priorities should be but until our daily schedule reflects those priorities, we are only "playing at life."

More from the Girlfriends

Choose to keep the commitments you have made today for one month. So much of the Christian walk is wrapped up in the word "choice." A choice is a deliberate action and purposeful decision. We can choose where and how we spend our time. Need help? Check out Mary's MP3, How to Find Your Missing Peace.

Are you discouraged? Check out Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Down ... but NOT Out!" And be sure to connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

April 3, 2014
Your Scars Are Beautiful To God
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story (Psalm 107:2, TNIV).

Friend to Friend                                                               

I have several scars on my body. One in the middle of my forehead I acquired during a rock fight when I was eight-years-old, one is on my lip when I fell on a nail after disobeying my mother and crossing a busy street to see a friend. And another is on my shin after disobeying once again and shaving my legs when I was twelve.           

But some scars on my body aren't so humorous. For example, there are two crescent- shaped scars just below my belly button. They aren't the result of body piercing, but of two laparoscopic exploratory surgeries to try and discover why I was unable to conceive. They remind me of the years my husband, Steve, and I struggled with infertility and the loss of a child.

Then there's the scar on my right breast that reminds me of the weeks of waiting and wondering whether or not the lump was malignant or benign. No, not all scars are humorous.

Perhaps the most painful scars that I bear are the ones you cannot see. You know the ones I'm talking about. We all have them. They are the scars on our hearts and in our souls.

The scar of rejection from a father that didn't know how to love me.

The scar of growing up in a home riddled with alcohol and physical abuse.

The scar of disappointment at the loss of a child.

The scar of broken dreams.

We receive scars in one of two ways: what has been done to us by other people or what has been done through us by our own mistakes and failures. Either way, I believe that scars are not something that we need to hide or be ashamed of, but rather an invitation to share the healing power of Jesus Christ with a hurting world. For a scar, by its very definition, implies healing.

Perhaps you've never thought of the wounds in your life as potential treasures. I encourage you to dig a little deeper, push aside the dirt, and discover the jewels that lie beneath the surface. The Bible tells us, "Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story" (Psalm 107:2 TNIV). Your story may be one of your greatest treasures. Like sparkling diamonds, glistening rubies, and shimmering emeralds, our scars are beautiful to God.

Let's Pray

Dear Lord, I have many scars on my body and in my soul. I pray that You will take these scars and use them for Your glory. I pray that You will give me the courage not to hide them, but to show the world the healing power of Jesus Christ in my life. Thank You for healing me and making me whole.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Do you have some scars on your body that are comical?

Do you have some scars on your body that represent a deep hurt from your past?

Do you have some scars in your soul that represent a story to tell? A story of healing or redemption?

I'm wondering if God is calling you to tell your story. Click over to my Facebook page and say, "I'm ready to use my scars for the glory of God!"

And here's another invitation. I would love to hear your story. You can email me at Sharon@sharonjaynes.com.

More from the Girlfriends

Did you know that your scars are beautiful to God? He longs to turn your hurt into hope, your pain into purpose, and your messes into ministry. Don't waste your sorrows! Allow God to use what you have gone through to be a blessing to others. To learn more, see my book, Your Scars are Beautiful to God: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Hurts of Your Past. It also includes a study guide for those who want to dig deeper into God's Word. And for you married gals, I'd love for you to hop over and join us at the new Praying Wives Club at www.Facebook.com/ThePrayingWivesClub.

[Judy Harder]

April 4, 2014
An Uncluttered Woman
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33, NIV)

Friend to Friend
When I was a little girl, one of my favorite things to do was to twirl in the grass. With arms out stretched, I'd spin around and around until I was silly-dizzy, and then fall to the ground with a giggly heart. It was thrilling, invigorating and a fun and simple way to spend a lazy summer day in the rolling hills of southwestern Pennsylvania.

Now that I'm older, I can't handle spinning in circles. My body rejects any twisty endeavor. Nausea quickly sets in and reminds me that I'm not a young "spinny-girl" anymore.

A few years ago while my family and I were at an amusement park, in an effort to gain favor in the eyes of my kids and earn imaginary super mom points, I enthusiastically got on a ride that spins in circles. My hero-husband always goes on this type of ride with our children, so I thought, "If Brad can do it, then I can do it, right?"
     
What a joke!
     
I walked up the ramp to the wretched "Wheel of Whirl" naively optimistic and walked down the ramp having made a great big fool of myself. The park employee had to stop the ride to let me off. Bad decision. Yucky feelings followed. Instead of becoming super mom, I became super sick mom. My center of balance and my emotions were quickly thrown off leaving my poor family with the disenchanted consequences of my twirling ambitions.
     
Just like that day in the amusement park, I constantly find myself thrown off balance from the wheeling whirl-of-life clutter. Why? Simply put: I complicate my life.
     
If we're being honest – and I assure you, I'm all about straight talk – then I'd have to confess that I am one of my own biggest obstacles to living as an uncluttered woman. I know that I should depend solely on God for direction and strength, but the simple fact is I often don't. Most of us would admit that this is the case.

It is hard to sift through all that is thrown at us each day. Clutter happens and it challenges all of us. I'm in the trenches with you and readily admit that navigating this silly-dizzy world is difficult. There are ten bazillion things that compete for our attention and clutter our faith: emotions, materialism, negative thinking, overbooked schedules, doubts, legalism, laziness, self-reliance, our past pains and failures, technology, work, our need to control things, finances, debt, stress, addictions, discontentment and relationships. And I'm just getting started! This list could go on forever.

The Bible instructs us to direct our silly-dizzy days toward God. "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." (Proverbs 16:3, NIV)

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33, NIV)

In His presence, God gives order to both our thoughts and our to-do lists. Everything changes when we seek Him first and commit our plans to Him. The journey to becoming an uncluttered woman is all about personal contact with Jesus. You and I will experience greater peace and deeper faith as we determine to respond to His constant invitation to come. But don't worry. Jesus is no stranger to clutter. He walked the same earth we do and dealt with the same struggles and problems we deal with. He loved many a cluttered woman while here on earth and many more before and since His ascension. He knows your clutter – your stuff – and He invites you to come just the same.
     
When we position ourselves in the presence of the Peace-giver and ask Him to lead and prioritize our heart matters, the uncluttering begins.

Let. It. Begin.

Let's Pray
Dear God, Thanks for reminding me that I can always come to You and trade in my exhaustion for Your rejuvenation. Please bring order to my day and establish my priorities according to Your will. Teach me what it means to live a Spirit-led life and show me how to become an uncluttered woman.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus said, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." What are you seeking first?

Are there activities, emotions, relationships, or thoughts in your life that need to be committed to the Lord? Spend a few moments in prayer and ask the Lord to establish your plans according to His will.

More from the Girlfriends
I think we all struggle with this one. BUT GOD – He loves to give us strength where we struggle. I co-wrote a song called Uncluttered. Since we've gone there devotionally, I'd really like to go deeper by exploring this topic musically. Please join me on my Facebook page right now and watch the music video for Uncluttered. Then write a few thoughts on my wall about your top clutter concerns – or simply declare, "I'm done with the clutter!"

SILLY-DIZZY? Check out Gwen's CD, Uncluttered. The songs of Uncluttered are purposed to sweep you away from life-noise and to focus your heart and mind on the one thing that matters: your relationship with Jesus Christ. If you are a digital buyer, find it here on iTunes and Amazon.

[Judy Harder]

April 7, 2014
When Hope Is Walking Right Beside You, Don't Miss It
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20, NIV).

Friend to Friend

Have you ever faced a tough circumstance and wondered, God, where are You? That was the situation with many of Jesus' followers after He was crucified and buried. Their hopes and dreams were sealed in the darkened tomb, and they didn't know where to turn.

The same day that Peter and John discovered the empty tomb, two other the disciples were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. While discussing the tragic events of the past weekend, another man appeared and began to walk alongside them.

"What are you talking about?" the man asked.

"Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn't know about the things that happened over the past few days?

"What things?" the man asked.

Then the two disciples gave the traveler a blow-by-blow account of Jesus' arrest, crucifixion, burial, and disappearance from the tomb. As they talked, their eyes were blinded by despair, and they didn't realize that hope was walking right alongside them. All they saw was the tragedy, but they missed seeing Jesus walking on the dusty road with them.

When they reached the village where they were going, they urged this "stranger" to join them for dinner. When He was at the table, Jesus assumed the role of host. He took the bread, gave thanks, broke the bread, and passed it to the men. At that point, I am sure a flood of memories returned to the men...memories of another meal where Jesus broke bread with His followers.

But perhaps what opened their eyes to this man's true identity were the nail-scarred hands that held the bread. "Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight" (Luke 24:31 NIV).

Perhaps you've traveled down your own dusty road to Emmaus with circumstances leaving you confused, troubled, and depressed. If so, remember this my friend: just because you cannot see Jesus or sense His presence does not mean that He is not there.

He is walking the path with you. Jesus assured us with these words: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:3 NIV). "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20 NIV).

He gave His word. He gave His life.

Let's Pray

Dear Lord, I know that You are always with me. Forgive me when I whine about being all alone. Forgive me when I whine that nobody understands my problems. I know that You understand all things, and that You are my hope Who is always walking right along the path with me.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

How do you think the men felt when they realized that the man in their presence was Jesus?

What do you think the realization did to their dashed hopes and dreams?

How would the realization that Jesus is always walking along the path with you change your reaction to disappointments and broken dreams?

Now let's get this (Forgive me for sounding like a kindergarten teacher. I am preaching to myself today.) In regard to the path that you are on today, where is Jesus? Leave your answer on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SharonJaynes.

More from the Girlfriends

Did you know that your scars are beautiful to God? He longs to turn your hurt into hope, your pain into purpose, and your messes into ministry. Don't waste your sorrows! Allow God to use what you have gone through to be a blessing to others. To learn more, see my book, Your Scars are Beautiful to God: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Hurts of Your Past. It also includes a study guide for those who want to dig deeper into God's Word. And for you married gals, I'd love for you to hop over and join us at the new Praying Wives Club at www.Facebook.com/ThePrayingWivesClub.

[Judy Harder]

April 8, 2014
Take This Job and Love It!
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16, NIV).

Friend to Friend

We all want to be successful in our work. Your office may be downtown or just inside your front door. Your work clothes may be an elegant suit or ragged jeans and a stained t-shirt. You may be paid in cash or with crayon drawings and sticky kisses. It doesn't really matter because none of these things alone makes us successful in the work place.

Many people never experience success in their work because they are in the wrong work to begin with. Not me. As a high school student, I knew exactly what I wanted to be – a nurse. My mother was a nurse and I wanted to be just like her, so I signed up to be a student volunteer at the hospital where my mother worked. When I told her the good news, she thought for a moment and then simply said, "That's great, honey. You'll make a wonderful nurse."

On my first day, I eagerly donned the required red and white striped uniform and reported for duty. The head nurse welcomed me and explained that I would be checking each patient to make sure they had water to drink, magazines to read, and a listening ear. That sounded simple enough. "Oh, and one more thing," she continued. In retrospect, I should have instantly recognized the danger in those words and run for the nearest exit. In my ignorance, I stayed. "Since we are short-handed, I may ask you to do just a few things to help the other nurses on duty," she said. "No problem" I assured her.

At that precise moment, a scream pierced the air! The head nurse calmly looked at me, smiled and said, "Could you check on that, please?" Surely, I had misunderstood her. "Now!" she continued. Taking a deep breath, I headed in the direction of the scream, praying that that it was nothing more than the celebratory cry of someone who had just won a million dollars.

As I neared the room in question, a bedpan flew through the doorway in front of me, landing at my feet. Furthermore, the bedpan was not empty. I decided right then and there that nursing was not for me, turned in my candy cane apron, and raced for the nearest exit. Mama was waiting for me as I stepped off the elevator. She smiled, handed me the cars keys, and simply said "See you at home." Fortunately, I had a wise and wonderful mother who knew me well, and from that day on encouraged me to be the teacher God created me to be.

I truly believe many people are living stress-filled lives because they have never sought and discovered God's plan and are trapped in jobs and careers that simply do not fit. Every day, they feel like the proverbial round peg being jammed into a square hole – a painful and frustrating process.

What does fit is God's plan. In Psalm 23:3, David writes, "He leads me in paths of righteousness." In this verse "righteousness" simply means "right things." The Shepherd has a plan for His sheep. Unfortunately, so does everyone else. The difference is that God's plan is filled with the "right things" He shaped and created us to do while the agendas of others tend to service their own purposes instead of God's.

God empowers His plan, but when we step into our own agenda or a plan created by anyone else, we are stepping into and relying upon our frail, limited strength. We will soon be empty and stress will flood in, filling the emptiness with anxiety and tension. Don't waste another day just doing the "next" thing. Take a long, hard look at your work, your job, and your agenda to make sure you are in the right place - doing what you were created to do in this world.

You have probably heard the statement, "I climbed the ladder of success, and when I reached the top, I realized it was leaning against the wrong wall." Not long ago, I came to a crossroads in my life that made me question the path I was taking in ministry. I asked God to either change me and the way I was doing ministry or change my ministry. He did both! Once again, I realized God wants the highest and best things for my life. That really is His plan. And He has the same kind of plan for your life. Don't settle for anything less.

Let's Pray

Father, I want to follow Your plan for my life. Help me to walk in daily obedience so that Your unique and perfect plan for my life will naturally unfold before me. And when I am discouraged or stressed because of the work I am doing, give me Your peace and the assurance that I am in the right spot doing the right things You created me to do.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

The amazing truth is that more than we want to know God's plan for our life - He wants us to know it and stands ready to guide us. God always reveals His plan to an obedient and seeking heart. Are you willing to do whatever God asks you to do?

Read Jeremiah 29:11 and record it in your journal. "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" (NIV).

Seek God and ask for His direction.

Seek His will by searching His Word.

Pay attention to the passion of your heart.

Realistically evaluate your abilities.

Take into account your natural talents.

Consider the advice of those who know you best.

Then step out in faith, trusting God to help you make the right choice.

More from the Girlfriends

God gives us His truth to learn and then to apply. God has a unique plan or "recipe" for each one of us. Our greatest opportunity for success is to live that plan. I believe God tucks into our very soul a discontentment with anything but His life "recipe." If we approach each day searching for His handprints in every situation, choosing to walk in obedience to His Word, we will surely find ourselves right in the middle of God's purpose and plan.

Mary's E-Bible Study Take This Job and Love It offers six principles from the life of the Proverbs 31 woman that will help you be successful in your work, no matter where you work or what your job may be. Study guide included.

Are you discouraged? Check out Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Down ... but NOT Out! And be sure to connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

April 9, 2014
When You Mess Up Big Time
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers (Luke 22:31, NIV emphasis added).

Friend to Friend

I'm so glad Jesus picked Peter to be one of His disciples. Time and time again we see him with his foot in his mouth, his pride in his pocket, and his temper on his sleeve. Satan knew Peter was going to have a big impact on the church at large, and he tried many times to get him off course.

During the last supper Jesus had with His disciples before going to the cross, He warned Peter that he was about to be tested. "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:31 emphasis mine).

Peter puffed out his chest, lifted up his head and said, "I am ready to go with you to prison and to death."

I imagine Jesus thought, Sure you are, buddy.

Just a few hours later, the sifting began. As Peter stood by the fire just outside where Jesus was being beaten and tried, a little servant girl asked if he was one of Jesus' followers.

"Woman, I don't know Him," he said.

Then again to another inquirer...

"Man, I am not (one of His disciples)!" Peter replied.

And again to a third...

"Man, I don't know what you're talking about!"

And just as the third denial slipped past Peter's lips, the rooster crowed to remind him of Jesus' words: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."

Peter went outside and wept bitterly.

Jesus knew that Peter was going to deny Him, and yet, before he even fellfrom grace, Jesus was picking him up with grace. Yes, Peter was absolutely crushed at his weakness in denying Jesus three times. But then, the ray of God's love reminded him of Jesus' words..."When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

After Jesus' resurrection, he reminded Peter to invest what he had learned in other people. Three times Jesus asked, "Do you love me?"  After each of Peter's affirmations, Jesus said, "Feed my lambs...take care of my sheep...feed my sheep." Peter did exactly what Jesus asked and spent the rest of his life investing in other people

Have you made some mistakes that left you feeling disqualified? Do you feel like you have been sitting on the bench because of too many technical fouls?

Oh dear friend, you are not disqualified. Jesus has not put you on the bench. Just as we have seen with Peter, when we fall, Jesus is waiting for us to get back up on our feet and back in the game to strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Listen closely. Can you hear it? Jesus is whispering...do you love me...take care of my sheep.

Let's Pray

Dear Lord, I am so thankful that You loved Peter...and that You love me. I don't want to sit on the bench when it comes to the game of life. Thank You for forgiving me and putting me back in the game. Help me to have the courage to get back on my feet when I fall, dust the shame off my face when I mess up, and join the team on the field!

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

What came to your mind when you read the words: "And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers"?

Do you think Jesus knows when, where, and how you are going to fail?

What did he want Peter to do after he had repented?

What does God want you to do after you have repented?

Can you see yourself sitting with Jesus by the fire? Imagine Him saying this to you today: "Woman, do you love me? Then take care of my sheep."

[Judy Harder]

April 10, 2014
He has Risen!
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

He is not here; he has risen! (Luke 24:6, NIV).

Friend to Friend

The boys and girls in Mrs. Stephens' fourth grade Sunday school class entered the room and quickly found their seats. The girls were dressed in frills and lace and chatting excitedly about the candy-filled baskets they had received that morning. The boys pulled at the unfamiliar ties around their necks and quickly discarded the sports coats they had obviously been forced to wear. The room was filled with excitement – for good reason. It was Easter Sunday.

Mrs. Stephens wanted to help her students understand that there is so much more to the Easter holiday than new clothes, chocolate bunnies, and egg hunts. Easter is more than family gatherings and tables filled with luscious food. Easter is about life. Easter celebrates the certainty of Jesus' death on the cross, the fact that He was buried, and the reality that He came out of that burial tomb to conquer death so that we can live now and eternally.

Mrs. Stephens came up with a plan. After sharing the Bible story of Jesus' resurrection, she gave each one of her students an empty plastic egg and said, "We are going to take a walk outside, and I want each one of you to find one sign of life and put it in your plastic egg." As the children filed out of the room, Mrs. Stephens noticed Danny, a little boy with Down syndrome who had been coming to her class for some time. His bright smile and sunny disposition had immediately won her heart. In fact, when it came to Danny, she often thought he had taught her so much more about the unconditional love of God and the joy of simply being a child of God than she could ever teach him. When she heard the other children make fun of him, it broke her heart. She always corrected the children and tried to help them see just how special Danny was, but Danny seemed oblivious to their hurtful words, and thought of each child as his "buddy."

The children soon returned from their walk, depositing their eggs on the teacher's desk as they made their way to their seats. Inside one student's egg was a butterfly. In another was an ant. Others had collected flowers, twigs, blades of grass and leaves to fill their eggs. But one egg had nothing in it. Everyone knew whose egg it was. Mrs. Stephens silenced the giggles with a look of warning. When she asked Danny why he had not put anything inside his egg to show signs of life, his face broke into a huge grin as he responded, "Because the tomb was empty."

Danny got it. He truly understood the profound truth of Easter. The empty tomb is the ultimate sign of life and a miracle like none other.

Jesus Christ had risen from the dead. The women knew Jesus was dead. Some of them had seen Him die. And they were sure His body was in the tomb; it had been there since Friday. But when they went to anoint the body on that Sunday morning, the tomb was empty! The body could not have been stolen. Nobody was playing tricks on them. They were not merely fooling themselves. The miracle was real. They could see the empty tomb with their own eyes. Jesus Christ really had risen from the dead!

Spend some time today thanking God for the miracle of life. And then share the good news with someone else: He is risen! He is risen indeed! 

Let's Pray

Father, Thank You for the miracle of life – abundant life here, and eternal life with You in Heaven. Help me celebrate that life every day as I seek You and follow Your plan for my life. Today, I say with the Apostle Paul, "Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?"

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Consider this truth: Satan has no answer for the empty tomb. What does the resurrection of Jesus Christ really mean to you?

Set aside time today to remember what Christ has done for you through His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. Read Luke 24 and celebrate the life only He can give.

More from the Girlfriends

I would love to have been there that morning when the women went to the tomb – expecting to deal with death and instead found life, wouldn't you? You may be dealing with death in your own life – the loss of a loved one – the death of a dream – the pain of a broken body. Just as Jesus Christ rose from the dead, He can breathe new life into your heart and mind. Right now, quietly turn to Jesus. He is waiting for you – healing and restoration and new life are in His hands.

[Judy Harder]

Today's Truth
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised (Proverbs 31:30).

Friend to Friend
We live in a competitive world. The pressures to be thin, beautiful, fit, smart, sexy, funny, rich, and popular trap us in a relentless vise-grip. Anyone can become gripped by a disorder or an addictive lifestyle. You could be a college student, a businesswoman, a nurse, a mom, a dance instructor, a retail clerk, or a Sunday school teacher. No one is exempt. Feelings of inadequacy and inferiority ravage hearts of Christians and non-Christians alike.

Our attempts to measure up are all-consuming traps. They focus our attention inward verses upward. When we get caught in the trap of striving to measure up, we focus on ourselves. That was never God's plan. We were designed to focus on Him. Shifting our attention from ourselves to God will change our perspective. God longs for our obsession to be Him.

"I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols" (Isaiah 42:.

The Dangers of Comparing

A common way we attempt to measure up is through comparison. Comparing is one of the most dangerous and destructive behaviors that we women engage in. We compare everything—our husbands, our children, our churches, and our cars. We compare our homes, our schedules, our finances, our blessings, and our burdens. There is a subtle, internal dialogue that plagues our minds and causes us to pull out our measuring sticks and hold them up to the people around us.

That's not to say that we should isolate ourselves or withdraw from awareness of others. We need to be able to relate to our friends, families, and neighbors. No question. But we shouldn't compare ourselves to them.

Comparing your life, your family, your stuff, your failures, and your accomplishments to that of someone else is dangerous. Very dangerous. It draws the focus of your heart to you instead of to God. The comparing game also brews a bitter cup of jealousy and resentment. I should know. I've tasted more than my fair share of that bitter drink.

No, we in the church are not immune to comparisons by a long stretch! How many times have you looked across the aisle and thought, "She's such a godly woman I wish I was more like her," or "I wish I could pray like her (or sing like her, or speak like her, or bake like her, or be popular like her, or be organized like her)"?

Often the things we compare are completely meaningless, fluffy things.

Do you have a girlfriend with perfect hair? How about a girlfriend with a husband who treats her as a precious jewel? Got a friend whose house is crazy-organized? Do you have a friend who works out faithfully and looks like she belongs on the cover of a fitness magazine? Got one of those?

Sure you do. So do I.

Honestly, my list of shortcomings could go on forever. I'm keenly aware that I fall short in many areas. It's easy to listen to the voices in your head that say, "You're not this, and you're not that. You don't do this well, and you can't do that." Your internal comparison dialogue is a vicious measuring stick that the enemy loves to wave in your face. Your defense in such an attack should be God's truth. You were made to be you, and are called to be uniquely you, for Him.

Yes, we should strive to live lives of excellence. And yes, we should be aware of personal areas that need improvement. But God intends that we should bloom where we are planted and thrive in our gifting's so that His church can function in a healthy way.

In the New Testament book of 1 Corinthians, the apostle Paul shows us clearly that each of us has a divine design and an important role to play in the Body of Christ.

For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, "Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body," it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. And if the ear says, "Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body," it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body (1 Corinthians 12:14-20, NASB).

God has a special plan for your life. God's gifts for you are the best gifts for you to possess. He fashioned you in His image and tenderly knit you in your mother's womb. You are purposed to be a God-loving you.

It's time we quit chasing the interests of others and start pursuing the passions that were written on our hearts. Our role in the Body of Christ is essential. God wants us to stop trying to measure up to everybody around us and be content in Him.

Let's Pray
Dear God, please renew and transform me from the inside out! When feelings of inferiority, insecurity, and self-doubt creep into my heart, help me to see myself the way you do. I want to be held tightly by your truth.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now it's Your Turn

How does this speak to you today? Do you really know how much you're loved? Pray about it and journal if you're the journaling type... then swing over to my blog or my Facebook page to talk about it and pray through it together. If you are ready to move beyond comparing, leave a comment, "I'm done with the comparing game!"

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion is an excerpt from Gwen's book Broken into Beautiful. If the content resonated with you and if you would like to learn more about how your brokenness can be reworked into a picture of God's beauty, order the book on Amazon or, for a signed copy, visit her website.

Experience God's deep healing and hope in your life today.

[Judy Harder]

April 14, 2014
An Easter Bride
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready (Revelation 19:7, NIV).

Friend to Friend
It was a beautiful day for a wedding. The sun shone brightly as the daffodils danced in the gentle breeze, nodding their happy faces in conversation. A choir of robins, cardinals, and finches sang rounds of cheerful melodies, which floated through a clear blue sky that was a reflection of the bride's sparkling eyes. The air had that unusual crisp quality of spring, reminding us of the chill from winter's past and the warmth of summer's promise.

The day was Easter Sunday, the day the groom had chosen to be joined to His beloved. Like the Jewish custom of old, he had proposed to his young maiden, and then promptly gone away to prepare a home for her. On this day, his father had signaled the home was ready and he could go to get his bride

Iris had been waiting for her husband to come and take her to the wonderful home that He had prepared for her. How like him to pick Easter, she thought to herself. My favorite day of the year.
She smiled as she heard Him coming, and her heart fluttered with the anticipation of seeing His face.

She wore a white dress with flecks of blue and carried a bouquet of pink carnations and white mums with a spray of asparagus fern as wispy as her baby-fine hair. A sweet smile spread across her face as she saw her beloved Jesus hold out His strong hand to help her cross the threshold of the temporal and into the hall of eternity. She walked into His loving embrace and drank in the loveliness of her surroundings, which He had perfectly described in His many letters.

On Easter Sunday, in 1997, my husband's dear, sweet, 74-year-old Aunt Iris went home to be with the Lord. As we all gathered around to say our last good-byes, I could not manage to be mournful. Yes, I was going to miss her. But Iris had never been married on this side of eternity and the vision I had in my mind was of her joining the Lord as the Bride of Christ. For me, it was not a funeral. It was a wedding! It was what she had always longed for...a dream come true.

In Isaiah 61:3, the prophet describes what God will do for the Bride of Christ. He will bestow on her a crown of beauty instead of ashes, anoint her with the oil of gladness instead of mourning and place on her shoulders a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

Are you feeling brokenhearted because of broken dreams? Have you been in mourning because your dream of being a bride has not turned out like you had hoped? God desires to blow away the ashes and place the crown of a royal bride on your head. So lift your head dear one, and accept your crown from the King of kings.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me to be the bride for Your Son. I look forward to the day when I will be joined with my heavenly Bridegroom for all eternity. Until then, I will prepare myself to be the best bride I can be.
In my Bridegroom's Name I pray,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
I asked my husband what picture came into his mind when he thought about himself as being a part of the Bride of Christ. He gave me a strange look and said, "Nothing really."

Oh how precious that we girls can have the picture of walking down the aisle to meet our heavenly Bridegroom. Today, that's what I want you to imagine. Just put that picture in your mind and savor it all day.

How does it make you feel to know that Jesus is your heavenly Bridegroom? Log onto my Facebook page and let's compare notes.

More from the Girlfriends
Has life not turned out the way you thought it would? Can you risk the hope that God still has dreams for your life? That He hasn't forgotten you? Place your hand firmly in His—take a deep breath and begin the exciting journey to a place you thought you'd never find: the dream God planned for you all along. To find out more, see my book The 5 Dreams of Every Woman and How God Longs to Fulfill Them. Don't give up! God has a plan for you!