August WoW Study

STUDY: TrueFaced, trust God and others with who you really are

Authors: Bill Thral, Bruce McNicol, and John Lynch

     Praise God from whom all blessings flow! I pray you’ve taken this past month to care for your temple, to connect with family and to fellowship with one another. By this time, you should be starting Chapter Four of the TrueFaced study, “The Supreme Gift of Grace: Love”.

     God has been speaking to you through this study and it would be great to hear how your spiritual life is changing for the good. What have you discovered about yourself and about God? Do you have a deeper understanding of how sin affects us regardless of whether you’re the one committing the sin or the object of attack in someone else’s sin?

     Our Abba Father desires that we pull down all masks, all strongholds – anything that would hinder our ability to enter His presence and to work on His behalf. He has a great destiny for each of you, a purpose for which He created you to accomplish in your time on this earth.  Do not be afraid, march on with courage and boldness, strengthened in who HE IS! If you could have done it on your own, it would be done. Obviously, you need GOD’s strong hand of intervention and direction. Yield totally to Him.

     Be blessed in the Lord and strengthened by His mighty power. I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday evenings starting September 7th.

It is The Lord Christ You Serve

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. ~Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT)

The economy and employment situation in America is at critical mass. People everywhere are looking for jobs – anything they can do to support their families. Many of the individuals have college degrees or previous very lucrative careers. So where do they go from here? That is the million-dollar question, which leads me to...

Why are so many people, who have jobs, complaining about what they do, who they work for, or the people they work with. As Christians we are called to a higher order in character display. So why do we look like the world when it comes to expressing our unhappiness with work?

If we take the biblical perspective, we would have no choice but to awake each morning with enthusiasm for the opportunity to work for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. After all, scripture tells us that we are not working for ‘a man’, but THE MAN.

Let each born again believer commit to face each new day with enthusiasm and thanksgiving (for having a job for those who actually have one), joy (the joy of the Lord is our strength) and perseverance (the race is not given to the swift, but to those who endure). Remembering that we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t faint (i.e., give up). RIGHT NOW, will you pause and confess to God your past issue with offering genuine, unconditional service in your job? No grumbling and complaining about anything!

So tomorrow when you see that person who gets on your last nerve, remember you’re actually serving Jesus – put on a genuine smile, wish them a great day and keep moving.  Perhaps they need a listening ear, so be that ear. If you notice their spirit is low, say a kind word as that may be just what they need to get through the day or that moment. . .you are the eyes, ears, hands, feet and arms of the Almighty God. This means you are valuable and have power through the Holy Spirit. Walk straight and face your giants – God is just waiting to place you in the land He has prepared just for you.

Pray for those who despitefully use you and say vile things about you? Bless those who curse you. . .these are doable if you’ve released your psyche and will to God.

He truly is the boss of you. . .act like it and do it with joy.

Perform your spiritual act of worship: daily offering your body as a living sacrifice. When you begin to rejoice in your job daily and express gratitude and thankfulness toward a loving God, you will see doors open.

As you review the past few days, how has your attitude been toward your job?

How will you overcome a negative attitude?
What one positive thing can you discover and/or focus on this week concerning your job?

The Chatter In My Head

We fight not against flesh and blood, but against. . .

We want what we want and are willing to sacrifice pleasing God – rather we choose man/friends/family/careers. 

“because I called but no one answered; I spoke, but they did not listen. And they did evil in My sight, and chose that in which I did not delight."  ~Isaiah 66:4

We are not in a battle with people around us – our battle is within. . .feelings of unworthiness, the chatter that goes on in our heads telling us we can’t do this or that, that we’ll never be good enough, smart enough, wise enough, pretty enough, tall/thin enough, wise enough. . .we look at our assets as though they were liabilities. We find it difficult to believe that anything about us is ‘fearfully’ or ‘wonderfully’ made.

Contentment is hard to find, yet when we take time to rest in Jesus the reality is peace and contentment are as close as our next heartbeat. As close as opening our mouths and uttering the words “Lord, I need you.”

Quieting the silence within means that we are ‘still and know that [He] is God’. To be intentional in creating that space where we are not bombarded with our necessary or crazy thoughts – that we can temporarily wipe off the to do’s on the whiteboard of our mind and place an image of the Almighty God, Jehovah Jireh – who provides everything we need, including peace of mind.

God wants to speak to us more than we want to listen.

He is a God of love, and love longs to communicate.

—Linda Schubert

Are we more focused on pleasing men to gain their approval or that of God? 

"Am I now trying to win the approval of men or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." ~Galatians 1:10

Why do we allow the chatter to dominate our minds?

What steps do you take to 'clear the whiteboard of your mind' to enter into the rest God promises?

Self Talk, Soul Talk (5 weeks to go!)

This is the title of our current Women's Ministry small group bible study. It is amazing when we sit down to really think about how we talk to ourselves that we realize the chatter in our head does not consistently speak life!

Tomorrow evening, we will review Chapter 7, Calm Down: I Have Stilled and Quieted My Soul, I'd like to get your input on what this study has meant to you so far - which chapter has had the greatest impact on you personally. I pray you are feeling more empowered through this and our recent studies. The ultimate goal of our studies is to become 'whole' - that is God's desire, that HIS daughter's are WHOLE. No more fragmented women, living pieces of life. . .the tapestries of our lives are colorful, vibrant and ALIVE! Praise God for HIS handiwork in and through US.

If you're not currently involved in this study, I challenge you to pick up a book and take the plunge to discover if your 'self talk, soul talk' lines up with what God says about you.

Blessings and peace to you,
Pastor Karen

P.S. - "Self Talk, Soul Talk" by Jennifer Rothschild (Harvest House Publishers)

Seeds of Discord

Today, I'm standing on Jesus' promise to "let not [my] heart be troubled", I believe in God and I will also believe in Him. There is an evil, negative presence within our church that is in major opposition to what God is doing among us. These spirits are going about planting seeds of discord among the brethren and I want you all to be wise and know what God says about that behavior and those actions.

As believers, Christians, must never forget that our words can promote life or death, unity or division, love or hate. Although when we confess our wrong we will be forgiven immediately, the evil words we've sown from our mouths become evil instruments of murder to others. Satan will use any mouth open to him in an attempt destroy a whole church.

I wonder, how many souls have been murdered/lost because of the mouths of discontented believers? Proverbs 11:9 says, “The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor...” The Bible clearly warns us to mark those who cause division and strife and to avoid them. They are used by the Devil to cause trouble to the church and to the work of the Gospel (Romans 16:17).

Do you know someone who is a sower of discord? Is it you? Are you being used by the Devil to cause division and strife in your church? If so, be warned of the severe consequences that you will face unless you repent of your sin and bring your mouth under control. God promises, the sower of discord will face calamity. “A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth; he winks with his eyes, he shuffles his feet, he points with his fingers; perversity is in his heart, he devises evil continually, he sows discord. Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; suddenly he shall be broken without remedy” (Prov. 6:12-15).

To paraphrase something Thumper's mother said to him: If you can’t say good things about your church, then keep your mouth shut. If you don’t think the church or its leaders are doing what they should, go talk with them privately. Pray daily for God to help them. And if you still don’t think the church is doing you any good, then get down to the altar and pray until it does, or get out of there and find one that will!

Whatever you do, don’t become an enemy to the church, it’s leaders or people! Regardless of what you think about your church, it belongs to the Lord, and if it is in error He’s big enough to correct it without your complaints. If you become a trouble-maker to your church, you will make yourself an enemy to Jesus (Matthew 25:40), and He warned against becoming a stumbling-block to the faith of believers lest you face severe judgment. “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6).

Loving you passionately enough to speak the TRUTH. . . ~Pastor K (aka: MinK)

Nurturing Relationships

Relationships are an essential component of human existence. The Word of God and life of our Lord Jesus Christ confirms the fact that we are made for community - we need each other. Therefore, it is imperative that we take time to nurture relationships at all levels.

Nurturing requires giving of self, time and treasure. Too many times though we are given into the selfish attitude of "what's in it for me?" If there's nothing for me, then I'm not down for a relationship. Not to say we shouldn't have expectations, we certainly must have expectations and guidelines; however, when our desire for relationships is driven by desire to fulfill our selfishness, we are wrong.

One day while meditating on healthy relationships and after hearing countless complaints of women's needs not being met, the Holy Spirit dropped the following in my spirit - the words are simply: "don't be a parasite in your marriage (or other relationships)." The definition of a parasite according to Merriam Webster:

Main Entry: par·a·site
Pronunciation: \ˈper-ə-ˌsīt, ˈpa-rə-\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French, from Latin parasitus, from Greek parasitos, from para- + sitos grain, food
Date: 1539
1 : a person who exploits the hospitality of the rich and earns welcome by flattery
2 : an organism living in, with, or on another organism in parasitism
3 : something that resembles a biological parasite in dependence on something else for existence or support without making a useful or adequate return

So, today, I ask are you a parasite or are you contributing party to healthy relationships?

Share your thoughts on this topic. . .

Illegitimate vs. Legitimate Parenting

Main Entry: il·le·git·i·mate
Function: adjective
Date: 1536

1 : not recognized as lawful offspring; specifically : born of parents not married to each other
2 : not rightly deduced or inferred
3 : departing from the regular

Society has for far too long labeled human kind born in adverse circumstances. Back in the day, children born out of wedlock were labeled 'illegitimate' (I was one of them); and children born whose father abandoned the mother or wanted nothing to do with becoming a parent were labeled 'bastards'. How unfair to the child. . . I and children like me, were considered less than those who had both parents. Many families turned their backs on their daughters, put them out and shamed them while the men walked freely without much ridicule - they were 'being a man'. I have a saying: times change but human nature does not.

The new term 'illegitimate parents' does not mean a man and woman are bad parents. When you reverse the term "illegitimate child" and "illegitimate parent" it means the parents have gotten the order of things wrong. They became parents before becoming spouses. . .God's order is marriage then children. While there are women/men/couples who intentionally have children without the covenant of marriage, I believe there are many who got caught up in "lust" and the passion of the moment whose end result was pregnancy. For those who chose to keep the child rather than abort, the private sin between two people became very public.

Children are precious in God's sight regardless of the timing of their appearance. I thank God that even when we get things out of order, because of His permissive will, we are still able to receive mercy and grace in our times of need.

Does that mean that God abandons us when we get the order wrong? No. . .especially not when we've confessed our sin and dis-order before Him and make that 180 degree turn. God requires all parents to raise their children up with reverential fear and love for Him. He says to teach His laws and precepts to our children at all times and to not forbid children to come to Him.

There are many couples who were 'pregnant' before they were married, but because they 'rushed' to the altar it was perceived as acceptable - but we all can do the math. There are many couples who got under the radar of the church because they were 'not in church' when they were in their foolishness; thus, no one knew nor could condemn. I'm in no way condoning the pre-marital sexual actions of men and women; but we must look through the loving lenses of our heavenly Father if those actions result in the birth of a living soul. Forgiveness, mercy and grace.

We all have sins and past actions that we are not proud of. Many of them are hidden from the masses. We must protect what is precious in God's sight.

What are your thoughts on this?

Meet Me In The Meadow: What It’s All About?

Meet Me In The Meadow: What It’s All About?

I hope you enjoy this devotional piece from Roy Lessin. His writing is not only scripturally sound, it is from the heart of another Encourager! Love you and be blessed by walking in The Son-shine.

What It’s All About?

It’s not about following our career path;
It’s about following His call upon our lives. Matthew 16:24
It’s not about our self-efforts to live for Him;
It’s about letting Him live His life in us. Gal. 2:20
It’s not about our attempts at self-improvement;
It’s about His transforming grace. 2 Cor. 5:17
It’s not about our self-image;
It’s about being conformed to His image. Romans 8:29
It’s not about our abilities to serve;
It’s about His power to equip us. Acts 1:8
It’s not about our human resources;
It’s about His sufficiency. 2 Corinthians 3:5
It’s not about wanting the approval of others;
It’s about having His approval. 2 Tim. 2:15

Umbundu Proverb

BODY IS EASILY SATISFIED, BUT NOT THE HEART.
(Angola 1914)

"Well" Language

Incorporate these expressions into your daily self-talk.

One Hope
-One day, things will change. If I have hope, I have help.
-With God, nothing is impossible.
-I am capable of doing all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
-I will carry on . . . I can make it!

Open to God
-I am a woman open to God. God will meet me in my ordinary.
-Anonymous is an unacceptable reality.
-Reach out and people will reach back.
-I am a woman looking for unexpected opportunity to advance!

Breaking Down Barriers
-My uniqueness does not mean I am inferior or superior. It means I am unique.
-Look for the best in everyone; do not exclude what God includes.
-My freedom does not require the enslavement of another human.
-I will not allow other people’s prejudices to create obstacles for me.
-I am loved and wanted – I belong!

Discovering a New Way of Thinking
-A different harvest requires a different seed (think new ways to achieve new results).
-I shall be transformed by the renewing of my mind.
-I will think on what is true, pure, lovely, excellent, holy, right, noble and praiseworthy.
-Thoughts precede action.
-Godly thinking produces Godly action; let’s get spiritual!

2010 WoW Retreat

Just to keep you updated, I will post the answers to this past weekend's retreat topics soon. The sessions to be posted are:
Transformation, Part 1
Transformation, Part 2
The Nature of Longing (Single womens session)
Living Ephesians 5: Giving Respect (Married womens session)

I pray everyone was blessed by the weekend of 'refreshing' in the presence of our Abba Father. HE is our daddy and there isn't anything we can't present to HIM that HE isn't able to handle.

Blessings and peace to you,
Pastor K