“I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, apart from Me you can do nothing”. John 15:5
How simple life would be if we didn’t struggle with releasing ourselves to remain in Him and realize we can do nothing apart from Him. If often is a struggle to release because we don’t see God for who He is, and we put characteristics on Him from our experiences in life.
When we are asked, “Who are you?” our response is usually something like, I’m a wife, a mother, a nurse, a teacher or some other description of what we do. We seem to base our worth in possessions, achievements or jobs. Others see us the way they think we should be based on their opinion of our successes or appearance. Both views are loaded with misconceptions because of our own personal life experience. The person God sees is totally different from the way we see ourselves or others see us.
To God we are uniquely fashioned…made in His Image with His potential in us. Validate this truth about yourself: God says you are precious in His sight. The thoughts you have about your self develop into words and then behavior which will either build up or destroy your self-image.
I encourage you today to put the greatest weight into determining self-worth in what God says about you. Release yourself from “who you are in terms of success” and abide in the vine to begin bearing fruit of God’s spirit asyou remain in Him.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
How Do I Find My Destiny
"He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths. Isaiah 2:3 (NIV)
In childhood,, most women begin seeking their destiny with Prince Charming, their careers, their homes, and their dreams of success. Our society leads us to believe that destiny's pathway can be carved out, and if we do all the right things we will reach our destiny. As adulthood settles in, we find that our destiny does not always have the fulfillment even though we may have accomplished all of the dreams we aspired toward. Our dreams in reality may leave us with a hollow feeling. On the other hand, we may not have achieved succes in our minds and are unfulfilled.
So, that brings us to the question: "How Do I Find My Destiny?" Destiny does not come through tea leaves or horoscope readings. It comes by following the spiritual pathway that God has set out for us. We were uniquely created to be who we are and where we are today, at this time.
The spiritual pathway is found by first, seeking God and asking for direction and guidance in our lives. Secondly, we surrender everything to Him. When we ask and surrender, God will give us the road map to our Destiny in Him, the life that He created for us to have and the peace that comes in that life. However, the big stumbling block with this road map is that it requires obedience. Some of the crossroad markers on the map this year will be Bible study and prayer, learning to know God as a friend and stepping out in faith to stay on the road.
I made a move to Kentucky in 1997, in direct obedience to God's call. It was such a big step to move so far rom home and familiar surroundings in the western part of the country. I didn't have any idea what would happen, how it would work or how we would survive, but God said to move and we did.
It took a long time for me to come to the point where I could just up-and-move on that kind of a call from God--years of pulling off the spiritual pathway, trying to turn around and go back, kicking and screaming, and trying to hold my own destiny tightly in my hands. There was such a sense of freedom for me in the release of my own ideas and moving into the flow of following those road markers.
This can be an exciting New Year for us and for the women we mentor and lead to learn to recognize the call of God on our lives, leading toward what He has planned for us.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
What are your desires?
"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose wak is blameles, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair--every good path." Proverbs 2:1-9
In our pursuit to know God better we can see four directives in these verses that we should use to evaluate out lives. First, we must take in God's Word daily (verse 1). It is imperative to study and absorb God's word if we truly seek to know Him better.
Secondly, in verse 2, we see the need to give God our heqarts, accepting the correction,, teaching or direction Scripture gives us. Prayer is the third directive in verse 3--not quickly worded or repetitive prayer, but sincere conversation with God.
Conversation is a talking and listening activity. This may be the most difficult one of the directives to intensely pursue, but it will be the most rewarding and valuable aspect of our relationship with God. Passionate seeking is the fourth (verse 4).
What are you passionately desiring today? It could be a relationship with someone, a new house, or a dream vacation. Our first desire however, should be to know God, and to follow these directives until we have an intimate relationship with Him. There are provmises for us from these four guidelines: wisdom, knowledge, understanding, protection, righteousness, justice and euity. I encourage you to diligently seek Him as the Wise Men did!
In our pursuit to know God better we can see four directives in these verses that we should use to evaluate out lives. First, we must take in God's Word daily (verse 1). It is imperative to study and absorb God's word if we truly seek to know Him better.
Secondly, in verse 2, we see the need to give God our heqarts, accepting the correction,, teaching or direction Scripture gives us. Prayer is the third directive in verse 3--not quickly worded or repetitive prayer, but sincere conversation with God.
Conversation is a talking and listening activity. This may be the most difficult one of the directives to intensely pursue, but it will be the most rewarding and valuable aspect of our relationship with God. Passionate seeking is the fourth (verse 4).
What are you passionately desiring today? It could be a relationship with someone, a new house, or a dream vacation. Our first desire however, should be to know God, and to follow these directives until we have an intimate relationship with Him. There are provmises for us from these four guidelines: wisdom, knowledge, understanding, protection, righteousness, justice and euity. I encourage you to diligently seek Him as the Wise Men did!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Preparing for the Holiday Season
As leaders, we give the example of handling life and ministry in the pattern of Jesus. The holiday season puts a lot of pressure on women as they see to the myriad of details in preparation and family activities. Take the opportunity in early November to give the women in your ministry the ability to move through the holidays with the Peace of the Lord.
The main focus for us does not change because the seasons change--we must meet the Lord daily in His Word and in prayer to continue the process of receiving our daily bread. There is a visual that I love to use. When you place rice (representing the details of the season) and put walnuts (prayer, bible study, family relationships, friend relationships) on top they just don't all fit in the jar. However, when the walnuts go in first and the rice is poured over them, it all fits nicely in the jar.
That is a picture of our daily lives and the details will flow around us. It is also important to know that we do not have to be the Martha Stewart of Thanksgiving and Christmas, we just need to love our families and share the memories of holiday food and fun together. When I think back on my childhood, it isn't that my mother's mashed potatoes weren't lumpy or that the table centerpieces were elaborate or that we had an artistic wreath on our door; it was how sweet it was to be with my family and the time we spent playing games, baking together and having friends in our home.
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own". Matthew 5:33-34
The main focus for us does not change because the seasons change--we must meet the Lord daily in His Word and in prayer to continue the process of receiving our daily bread. There is a visual that I love to use. When you place rice (representing the details of the season) and put walnuts (prayer, bible study, family relationships, friend relationships) on top they just don't all fit in the jar. However, when the walnuts go in first and the rice is poured over them, it all fits nicely in the jar.
That is a picture of our daily lives and the details will flow around us. It is also important to know that we do not have to be the Martha Stewart of Thanksgiving and Christmas, we just need to love our families and share the memories of holiday food and fun together. When I think back on my childhood, it isn't that my mother's mashed potatoes weren't lumpy or that the table centerpieces were elaborate or that we had an artistic wreath on our door; it was how sweet it was to be with my family and the time we spent playing games, baking together and having friends in our home.
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own". Matthew 5:33-34
Monday, September 22, 2008
Leaders Pray
Nehemiah is a wonderful character study for leaders of ministy. The story begins with him being born in exile and working his way up to the cupbearer for King Artaxerxes. One day his brother visits him to tell him the walls of Jersalem are broken down and the people are discouraged. Nehemiah begins to feel a burden from the Lord about what he is to do.....he is being called to return to Jerusalem. His first response is to pray about the situation. He uses the ACTS method of prayer and also prayers Scripture in the prayer in Chapter 1:5-11. Then he goes to the meeting with King Artaxerxes and was afraid (v. 2) so he sent up an "arrow prayer" (v. 4). God honors his prayer as the King not only grants him permission to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall, but he appoints him the governor. The people rally under the motivational power of Nehemiah and they begin to build the wall. Opposition comes in the form of taunters and the enemies of the surrounding territories. Nehemiah agin prays (Chapter 5:4-5). He also helps the people understand the power of Spiritual Warfare. It takes only 52 days to complete the building of the wall around the city of Jerusalem.
This example of a leader who prays consistently, experiences all the same emotions and fears that others do, but continues to be obedient to God and communicate with Him all the time. Is this not how we as women leaders should model prayer?
This example of a leader who prays consistently, experiences all the same emotions and fears that others do, but continues to be obedient to God and communicate with Him all the time. Is this not how we as women leaders should model prayer?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Discipleship
Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus came and told His disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (LAB)
This is a clear directive to us that we are to bring people to the Lord and grow them up as disciples. So many churches miss the mark here and as women in leadership, we want to make sure that the women we lead and serve learn the pathway to discipleship.
Looking at Jesus' example is always the best way to try to understand His instructions to us. He found his 12 men and began to spend time with them, teaching and modeling the life of a disciple. He was really with them more than we can possibly be as leaders with our own families and busy lives, but we want to follow the example the best we can without guilt.
So in a day with Jesus we see that he woke up and went right to talk to God to get the instructions for the day and then came out to meet with the "team". Immediately, in most cases, there were crowds of people looking to touch, hear, be healed, be prayed for, be encouraged, or just to look at this wonderful man. He did not lose patience, He was there for those that needed him and he served them.
When the time ws right for a rest or a teaching time, Jesus withdrew (usually quietly). My, how I would love to have this trait. He would again seek God and He would also teach the "team" about what they could have learned about the experiences of the day together. He taught them in parables, stories that they would understand and relate to with examples from everyday life. There was no concern with philosophy or latest techniques. Jesus desired that the "team" would be like Him.
Now, how do we accomplish that with our teams? Our prayer life is the major tool for this and all aspects of our lives and ministry. Do you follow Jesus' example each day and are you open for His agenda or do you tell Him what your agenda is and ask Him to work that out well for you?
Secondly, do you pray with your team? It is easy to tell someone what the steps are, but the practice of doing this together is more impactful. Do you pray for your team, knowing what their needs are or what concerns them? All of us learn by example more than by any other method.
Thirdly, do you speak with your team frequently and invite them to joinyou in business or ministry related activities? Debriefing and conversations after meetings or events...listening at all times for unspoken messages as well....is very important. This is how you know if the process is working positively.
When Jesus says to "make disciples" we are to respond and obey in order that those disciples will live the abundant life and be able to discern God's will for their lives also.
This is a clear directive to us that we are to bring people to the Lord and grow them up as disciples. So many churches miss the mark here and as women in leadership, we want to make sure that the women we lead and serve learn the pathway to discipleship.
Looking at Jesus' example is always the best way to try to understand His instructions to us. He found his 12 men and began to spend time with them, teaching and modeling the life of a disciple. He was really with them more than we can possibly be as leaders with our own families and busy lives, but we want to follow the example the best we can without guilt.
So in a day with Jesus we see that he woke up and went right to talk to God to get the instructions for the day and then came out to meet with the "team". Immediately, in most cases, there were crowds of people looking to touch, hear, be healed, be prayed for, be encouraged, or just to look at this wonderful man. He did not lose patience, He was there for those that needed him and he served them.
When the time ws right for a rest or a teaching time, Jesus withdrew (usually quietly). My, how I would love to have this trait. He would again seek God and He would also teach the "team" about what they could have learned about the experiences of the day together. He taught them in parables, stories that they would understand and relate to with examples from everyday life. There was no concern with philosophy or latest techniques. Jesus desired that the "team" would be like Him.
Now, how do we accomplish that with our teams? Our prayer life is the major tool for this and all aspects of our lives and ministry. Do you follow Jesus' example each day and are you open for His agenda or do you tell Him what your agenda is and ask Him to work that out well for you?
Secondly, do you pray with your team? It is easy to tell someone what the steps are, but the practice of doing this together is more impactful. Do you pray for your team, knowing what their needs are or what concerns them? All of us learn by example more than by any other method.
Thirdly, do you speak with your team frequently and invite them to joinyou in business or ministry related activities? Debriefing and conversations after meetings or events...listening at all times for unspoken messages as well....is very important. This is how you know if the process is working positively.
When Jesus says to "make disciples" we are to respond and obey in order that those disciples will live the abundant life and be able to discern God's will for their lives also.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Communicating
"This prophetic power, never trusted to the undeserving, was given to her because she loved God with all her heart." Edith Deen
Who was this woman who heard the voice of God? It was Huldah, a Hebrew prophetess who lived during the time of Josiah, the King. Women who hear God's voice are women who love God with their whole heart. We can evaluate that in our live by asking the following questions:
*Do I take every plan or though to God first before making a decision?
*Do I know His word so well, I can know what is going to please Him?
*Are we so intimate in our prayer life that He truly is our most loved friend?
Huldah's story can be found in II Kings 22 and II Chronicles 34. King Josiah sent his people to her to inquire about the validity of the Book of Law found in the Temple during repairs. He had to have had faith in her ability to communicate with God in order to seek a woman's answer on this issue.
Her Spiritual authenticity must have been obvious to the king and to the people of the city and it is also apparent to us in these passages because she said, "thus saith the Lord" four times during her prophecy.
This woman was not one of the women we hear a lot about, but she had in her life the thing that mattered most and that was an intimacy with God and she heard Him communicate with her.
Who was this woman who heard the voice of God? It was Huldah, a Hebrew prophetess who lived during the time of Josiah, the King. Women who hear God's voice are women who love God with their whole heart. We can evaluate that in our live by asking the following questions:
*Do I take every plan or though to God first before making a decision?
*Do I know His word so well, I can know what is going to please Him?
*Are we so intimate in our prayer life that He truly is our most loved friend?
Huldah's story can be found in II Kings 22 and II Chronicles 34. King Josiah sent his people to her to inquire about the validity of the Book of Law found in the Temple during repairs. He had to have had faith in her ability to communicate with God in order to seek a woman's answer on this issue.
Her Spiritual authenticity must have been obvious to the king and to the people of the city and it is also apparent to us in these passages because she said, "thus saith the Lord" four times during her prophecy.
This woman was not one of the women we hear a lot about, but she had in her life the thing that mattered most and that was an intimacy with God and she heard Him communicate with her.
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