Encouragement for Today!

In the ever-changing circumstances of life, there is a faithful, never-changing God in control.

Every day begins and ends with His purpose
there isn't a detail that escapes His eye...
a trial that doesn't touch His heart...
or a single experience beyond His compassion.

Every moment of your life is in His care
and I pray that He gives you overwhelming peace and hope today.


Pray about everything; tell God your needs...

If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.

"His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6, 7 TLB

Have a super weekend!
Blessings

What the Cross Really Says to our Hearts

Our hearts ask the hard questions.
Am I loved?
Am I wanted?
Am I worthwhile?
And the cross answers back...
You are loved, really.
{Psalm 103:11}
You're valuable, truly.
{Matthew 10:31}
You're chosen, always.
{1 Peter 2:9}

It's the final answer on who we really are...
The exclamation mark at the end of God's declaration of love for us.
And so we celebrate!

Lord, as I am better able to embrace your amazing love for me, help me to love others too. Amen

The sun is shining! It looks amazing
Have a great day
Blessings,

Righteousness

"Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O LORD." Psalm 36:6

God's goodness is more than Him playing "nice." God's goodness is an extension of His righteousness. Since God is loving and just, the morally virtuous thing for Him to do is provide His children with a balance of mercy and discipline, guidelines and grace. That's why a price had to be paid for our sins. God's righteousness demanded it. But God's love allowed Jesus to pay a debt we couldn't afford to pay on our own.

Lord, I thank You for the breath of life You have given me. I pray You will breathe new life into me today. Just as You spoke and brought about life in Your magnificent world, help me to speak words that bring life into my own small world as well. How grateful I am to be closely connected to You in every way. Amen.

Hope your day is going well.
Blessings,

Strength

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13

Need strength? Turn to God for all you need. Why take on life by yourself, when He offers all you need? Often, as obedient Christians, we make great efforts with our feeble spiritual muscles. But ultimately, our own strength always fails. When Christ's Spirit works through us, the Christian life flows smoothly; in His power we accomplish His purpose. Today, is Christ bearing the burden, or are we? Only He has the might we need in our lives.

Father God, I thank you that I am your child and a joint heir with Christ. Because of that, I can trust that You always hear my prayers. Help me to maintain ongoing communication with You, just as Jesus did, so that I may have a deep and abiding walk with you and You will be glorified by my life. Amen

Hope you had a blessed Easter
Have a good day
Blessings,

He Chose Us

God has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
—Hebrews 13:5

Prior to the cross, Jesus endured hours of agonizing physical and emotional torture. Yet not once did he cry out. It was not until that culminating pain of separation from God that the heart of Jesus broke.

Jesus took upon Himself every sin, every pagan inclination, and all that is unholy in creation, and he died for it. For Jesus, the greatest hurt was the momentary abandonment from God, his Father. It happened because God, in his holiness, cannot look upon sin. When Jesus became the embodiment of sin, he was rejected. He was abandoned. He was ditched.

If you can identify with that feeling, you’re not alone. But I’ve got great news for you. Jesus’ separation from God—and ours—was bridged immediately the moment that sin-debt was paid. He was instantly restored to full correctedness with his Father. It’s absolutely mind-boggling: we too are instantly awarded full family membership the moment we confess our sin and receive the forgiveness for which Jesus died.

That means we will never be abandoned by him. We will never be a throwaway from him. We will never be rejected by him. We’ll never be ditched by him. We didn’t get left by him. He chose us. He loves us and will never leave us.

Lord God, I have made so many mistakes, but you love me anyway! That's wonderful and wonderous news! May I respond by living confident in your lvoe for me and generous in sharing your love with others. In Your Name, Amen.

Blessings to you on this Maundy Thursday.

Joy - Scatterers

"Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God's people, joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil."
Psalm 97:11

Imagine a farmer dropping seeds into fertile soil. They're sure to spring up. That is how it is with joy. Keep it with you at all times, like seeds in your pocket. Then, when you find fertile soil - in the workplace, at the doctor's office, around the dinner table - pull out a few of those seeds and sprinkle them around. Oh, the joy that will spring forth!

Dear Lord, I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart! Help me become so overcome with joy that I want to holler your praise from the rooftops for all to hear. Help me to spread my joy to everyone I come in contact with. My co-workers, my family, the neighbors or even the grumpy man at Walmart. Today, may You strengthen me from the inside and out with your joy. In Your Name, Amen.

The sunshine gives me such joy today. I hope you will find time to sprinkle a little joy to those you come in contact with today.
Blessings on your day,

New Bible Studies

Join us Wednesay mornings from 9:30 - 11:00am for new studies.

Free To Be Real ~ When ordinary women come into the presence of God extraordinary things begin to happen. Hearts begin to heal. The weary are made strong. The hope of Christ is renewed in your life. The powerful love of God will begin to transform the ordinary into extraordinary for His glory. Join us as we learn the power of living an authentic life in Christ. Childcare is provided.

April 27th ~ Ministry According to Jesus featuring Jill Briscoe
May 4th ~ God Use Me Just As I Am featuring Angela Thomas
May 11th ~ Drawing Women Closer to the Heart of God featuring Beverly LaHaye
May 18th ~ A Woman's Prayer Life featuring Beth Moore

These lessons are all individual lessons. They do not build off of each other. So, if you can make all of them or just 1 or 2 we invite you to join us. Invite your friends. There will be no homework.

Guidance

"The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."
Psalm 32:8

If you're on safari, a knowledgeable guide will lead you to the best vantage point to see wildlife, educate you on what you're seeing, and protect you from danger. God is like a safari guide who never leaves your side. He knows both the joys and the dangers that surround you. Through His Spirit and scripture, God will guide you toward a life of wonder and adventure. Stay close to His side and allow Him to lead.

Lord, I thank You that Your plans for me are for good - to prosper me and give me a future and a hope. Help me to obey You in every area of my life so that I don't do anything that would thwart Your plans for my future. I seek You about my future now and ask You to help me to hear Your voice leading me every step of the way. Amen

Blessings on your week. Remember to take time in all the busyness of your week to remember why Jesus died on the cross and what that means to you and your life.
Have a good day

This is the Day!

This is the day . . .

that you get to begin a new week.
This is the day...

that you're loved just as you are.

{1 John 4:18}

This is the day...

you have everything you need.

{2 Peter 1:3}

This is the day...

that victory is yours.

{Romans 8:37}

This is the day...

that God has made.

{Psalm 118:24}

There's never been one like it before and there will never be again. You're in this moment, time, place for a purpose and you've got what it takes to fulfill it.

Go get 'em, friend

Gracious God, I think you for the times your people have encouraged me with warm words and kind gestures. Forgive me when, in my busyness and self-centeredness, I miss opportunities to do so for others. Help today be different - and every tomorrow after that! Amen

Have a great rest of your Monday
Blessings,

Friday's Challenge

This Week's Challenge

I will acknowledge God in everthing I do.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

God, no matter how long my "to do" list is this weekend or how many tasks call my name, please help me choose to sit at your feet and worship you. Help me choose the important and the eternal over the urgent and temporal. In Your Name, Amen.

Have a super weekend. See you Sunday
Blessings,

Presence of God

"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord." Psalm 89:15

Close your eyes and imagine yourself sitting on the beach, a warm breeze tickling your skin and the comforting sound of waves breaking on the shore. Or think of yourself in a garden, the sounds of songbirds and enchanting fragrances in every direction. Place yourself anywhere, but know that nothing can compare to being in the presence of God. The treasures of the universe are stored there, His love surrounds you, and peace flows like a beautiful river. Come and enjoy.

Lord, fill me afresh with Your Spirit today and overflow me with Your healing stream so that when I am with anyone else, they will sense Your presence. Make me to be like a well of refreshing water flowing out to others. I know You see me through Your Son, Jesus. I pray others will see Jesus in me, even if they don't fully understand what it is they are seeking. In Your Name, Amen.

Let your light shine today. Let others see Jesus in you. Let them wonder what you have. Are they ready to know what makes your light shine? Are you ready to share with them what that light is?
Blessings on your day,

Obedience

"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy . . . " Jude 1:24

Our obedience makes God happy - and should make us happy, too. In fact, the more difficult it is to obey, the more joyful we should be. Why? Because a big situation calls for a big God. And our God is bigger than anything we could ask for or think. He alone can prevent us from falling. So, if you're struggling in the area of obedience, surrender your will. Enter into joyful obedience.

Almighty God, help me to be a good listener to Your voice speaking to my heart. I don't want to drown it out with the noise and busyness of life. Help me to take every thought captive in obedience to Your Word. Keep me from entertaining unrighteousness in my thought life. Enable me to be diligent in not allowing anything into my mind that does not glorify You. In Your name, Amen.

Blessings on your Wednesday,

Winning Life's Battles

God is on Your Side
"The Lord will fight for you." Exodus 14:14

I read these words and draw in a deep breath.
I need them right now.
Don't we all? Oh, we may not go to war.
But we fight...
for relationships
for dreams
We battle...
against illness
against discouragement
I think of you staring at the screen, perhaps feeling your strength is small.
Oh, yes, I know what that's like.
But victory isn't up to us.
And those words you sometimes hear?
"You're not worth fighting for."
They're a lie. Nothing more.
This is the truth from the heart of One who calls you His own:
You are loved.
You are worth fighting for.
You are even worth dying for.
So go into your day, strong friend, knowing that nothing can defeat you.
You've already won.

Thank You, Lord, for all the wonderful things You have done for me in the past, that You are doing for me today, and that You will do for me in the future. Keep me from fear and discouragement as I look at the challenges ahead. Thank You that you go before me with a plan for battle. I look to You for guidance so I may possess all You have for me. Amen.

Hope you are having a great Tuesday.
Blessings,

Keep Going

Hello, Friend, getting ready to take that next step in your day.

Through a door.
Into a dream.
On that hard path.

Wherever you are, I just want to let my words lean in close and whisper,
"Keep going."

You can take the next step.
No matter how small.
Or how big.

Both make a difference.

And even if you're called to stand still, you can still keep going.

Going to your knees.
Going to the One who came for you.

You've got prayers behind you, the One who loves you beside you, and more than you can even imagine ahead of you too.

Lord, I am choosing to rest in your sovereignty. You are sovereign over my past: you can and will heal and redeem it. I'm also choosing to trust your sovereignty over my future, anticipating what new thing you want to do in my life. And may I acknowledge your sovereignty in the day-to-day present so that I may live in your light, freed by your love. Amen

"The LORD says, "Forget what happened before, and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening. Don't you see it." Isaiah 43:18-19

Praise God! Keep going . . . .
Blessings on the start of a new week.

Friday's Challenge

This Week's Challenge

I will choose my friends wisely.

"Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits."
1 Corinthians 15:33

Pray for godly friends.Your "inner circle" of friends should be positive, uplifting people. Make sure those who are closest to you have a positive influence on your life and your family.

Lord, I pray I would always have good, godly friends, and that we would influence, encourage, and inspire each other to walk closer to You. I pray for friends who will tell me the truth in love, give me sound counsel, and be a help in times of trouble. Enable me to be that kind of friend too. Send desirable friends into my life. Amen.

Have super weekend. See you Sunday!
Blessings,

Power

"[Be] strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience."
Colossians 1:11

There aren't enough hours in the day to do a woman's work. No wonder we often feel exhausted and unhappy. The Bible says that there is a remedy for our endless activity. He strengthens us, empowering us to push through and get our jobs done. Sometimes He does that by empowering us to say "no" when we should, rest when we should, and keep our lives balanced. Ask Him for a transfusion for your life.

God, I ask for wisdom, for I know true wisdom comes only from You. Thank You that Your Word promises You will give wisdom to me when I ask for it. Help me to be wise every day in every decision, especially when I must act quickly. Help me to know what to do and what not to do in any situation. In Your name, Amen.

Have a super Thursday. The grass is getting greener, the birds are getting louder, the daffodils are coming up to take a peek, and I see buds on the trees. God is good! Enjoy His gifts to us this spring day.
Blessings,

Because He Lives

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep."
John 10:11

Real meaning to your life is found in the glorious dawn of God's story, which breaks into full revelation in the Person of Jesus Christ. What an astounding truth!
What a life-changing message!

Because He emptied Himself of all but love, you can be filled.
Because His body was broken, your life can be whole.
Because His blood was shed, your sin can be forgiven.
Because He submitted to injustice, you can forgive.
Because He finished His Father's work, your life has worth.
Because He was forsaken, you will never be alone.
Because He was buried, you can be raised.
Because He lives, you don't have to be afraid.
Because He was raised, you can be strong.
Because He reached down to you, you don't have to work your way up to Him.
Because His promises are always true, you can have Hope!
Praise God for just giving us Jesus!

Almighty God, I rely on You to lead me through every challenge and battle in my life. Help me to never operate out of fear in the face of what seems like impossible circumstances. Just as You have helped in the past, I know You will continue to help me in the future. I praise You for the great things You will do, and thank You that Your presence is always with me. In Your name, Amen.

WOW! Look at the sunshine! What a beautiful day the Lord has given us. Rejoice! Enjoy! Praise Him! Thank Him!
Blessings to YOU,


Today is the day YOU have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!!
I will stand upon YOUR truth. All my days I'll live for YOU

Better With YOU

You've got something to give.

Something good and right and true.

Something fashioned in heaven and placed in your heart.

Something we need and it's beautiful.

Maybe it's a smile.

A little kindness.

That dream you're ready to start living.

You matter.

Oh, how you do.

The God who flung stars into place, who holds the world in His hands, who makes all things possible lives in you.

And this week will be better because of what you two do together.

Watch out, world, here comes YOU . . .

Dear Lord, I celebrate the moment I came to know You as my Lord. I celebrate the times You have sealed me and blessed me. I celebrate Your answers to my prayers and the times You saved me from my own mistakes. I celebrate the wonderful people You have put in my life - especially the ones who have led me to You and taught me to live Your way. I celebrate my life with You. In Your name, Amen.

Today is the day You have made! I will rejoice and be glad in it! I won't worry about tomorrow . . . Giving You my fears and sorrows... I will trust in You!! Today is today :O)
Blessings

Friendship

"And these God-chosen lives all around - what splendid friends they make!" Psalm 16:3

Thank God for friendship. Literally. Spending time with those who understand how you tick remind you what a wonderful woman you are, and challenge you to reach your God-given potential is one of life's greatest joys. The best way to have great friends is to be one. Pray regularly for women God brings into your life, asking God to help you love them in ways help you grow closer to each other and to Him.

What can you do to make Monday a fun day? Share a cupcake, sing a song, draw a smiley on your calendar, pet a puppy . . . what would you do? I have some ideas.

1. If you need encouragement, think of two people with whom you can share that need and make a plan to do so.

2. Look for people in your life to encourage.

3. In your journal, record a recent time when you received and/or gave encouragement. What were the results?

4. Write a note of encouragement to someone in need, letting them know you are praying for them. Offer to take care of a specific need such as preparing a meal, dropping by the grocery store to pick up a few items or picking up their cleaning. Many times, people in pain can't or won't ask for help. If you see a need, meet it.

5. Write a note of thanks to someone who has encouraged you.

Encouragement is like a boomerang. When thrown correctly, it will come back to you. Godly encouragement does not wait for an invitation to work. It looks for the opportunity to work.

Father, I am amazed at how You love me through others. Thank You for the gift of encouragement. Help me to receive that gift and then to give it away to someone else in need. I want to be Your hands and feet to those who are hurting around me. Give me eyes to see and love them, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have a super Monday! Brighten up someones cold and windy day by encouraging them. I said hello to everyone I walked past at HyVee this morning! It was fun to watch the stern reaction turn into a smile. It can be just that simple. . . a smile! Of course later on when I go to Caribou Coffee I might just have to buy the person behind me a coffee :O)

Blessings,

Bible Study ~ Blog Style

Would you like to join a Bible study but just can't seem to get to church to attend one?

Would you like to do a Bible study in your own home (in your PJ's), or at your office during your lunch hour? Or maybe you live in a smaller town where there may not be a Bible study offered at your local church? Maybe you have a best friend in another town and this would be a way to do a study together at the same time?

We are considering putting together some Bible studies that could be done online here at the Divine Shepherd Women's Ministry Blog site.

How would this look? We would pick a study. It could be a Beth Moore Study, a Priscilla Shirer study, a Sheila Walsh study, or one of many other studies out there.

Purchase the study, follow the lesson plan. And instead of being in person to share the topic and/or questions, we will comment here at the blog our answers and be able to have discussions here.

If this is something you might be interested in, leave a comment below. We would love to get an idea of how many might be willing to join this new adventure with us Fall 2011

Of course if there is enough interest, we will start working on this right away and have it up and running this fall.

Any questions, leave them in the comment or email me at kami@dsomaha.org

Friday's Challenge

This Weekend's Challenge

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

I will be bold and stand up for my faith.

Heavenly Father, I thank You that Your Word always accomplishes the purpose for which You sent it. Enable me to secure the power and life that is in Your Word by having it planted so firmly in my heart that it guides everything I do. Help me to weave Your Word into my prayers so that it becomes a powerful weapon against which the enemy cannot prevail. In Your name, Amen.

Get comfortable with sharing your faith. Write down several scriptures that mean the most to you and memorize them. Share your testimony by telling your story to those around you and by living out your faith each day. Have a favorite scripture? Have a testimony you would like to share? How have these devotions affected your life? Why don't you share it with the rest of us? Maybe it is a verse that someone else is just waiting to hear. Leave a comment here.

Have a super weekend

See you in church on Sunday

Blessings,