Embrace Your Purpose

"...God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: ... So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he them." Genesis 1:26-27

"...The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul," Genesis 2:7

"...The Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and the Lord took one of Adam's ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman and brought her unto the man, And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." Genesis 2:21-23

"...The head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God..." I Corinthians 11:3

"For the man is not of the woman but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman but the woman for the man." I Corinthians 11:8-9

Paul in writing to Timothy exhorts men about prayer and giving of thanks. Paul also gives instruction to women. "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel,...which becometh women professing godliness with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, the Eve." I Timothy 2:1,8-14

God has given woman honor and respect in the scriptures and in His kingdom. Whether a woman is single, married to a nonbeliever, young, middle aged or elderly, she has a purpose and a task to accomplish in the body of Christ.

A woman married to a nonbeliever must never compromise her faith. "...if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation (conduct RC) of the wives;..." I Peter 3:1.

"The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God not be blasphemed." Titus 2:3-5

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

Dear sisters in Christ, women of God, let us fulfill our purpose in God's kingdom.

--Rita Carter

DO NOT FEAR

"Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10 (NAS version)

In the above passage, God is promising the nation of Israel HIS help and encouraging them to look to HIM for deliverance instead of focusing on their fears and what was happening about them at that time. God, in these above verses, was reminding the children of Israel that He, the Lord our God, was greater than their fears. God wanted His people to look to Him for their strength and help.

A few chapters earlier in Isaiah 37, King Hezekiah had prayed to God when faced with being attacked by the Assyrian army. At that particular time, the Assyrians were mighty and undefeated. The kingdom of Judah by far was considered the underdog. It didn't look good for Judah. King Hezekiah went before the Lord in prayer with his fears. Verses 21-22 of chapter 37 tells us, "…Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, "Because you have prayed to Me about Sennacherib, King of Assyria, this is the word that the Lord has spoken against him…"

Did you catch that…"Because you have PRAYED TO ME about …."

Wow, to me that is just powerful! That same Lord, our God, who was with Isaiah and King Hezekiah, is the same one who is with us today. Hebrews 13:8 tell us that Jesus Christ (who is part of the trinity of God) is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Those promises above were made to God's chosen people. Back then, they were the Israelites. Today, because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ upon the cross of Cavalry, it includes all those who belong to Him. When we give ourselves over to Christ by being buried in baptism and putting on that newness of a changed life, we belong to Jesus Christ. At that point, we are also given spiritual blessings. One of the most powerful, in my opinion, is the blessing of prayer.

Prayer is our conversation to God filtered by the Spirit in our behalf (Romans 8:26) and with Jesus Christ being our mediator before God in our behalf (1 Timothy 2:5). That means every time we pray, we have the Spirit of God interceding for us and the son of God coming before the throne of God for us. It's kind of like having our own defense team before God. Now that is powerful! Each of us should feel very, very special because to God, we are special.

The sad thing is that there were many times that the Israelites would forget God and forget to use that wonderful spiritual blessing of prayer. But not King Hezekiah! He used it for his and his people’s deliverance from what looked like a certain attack from Assyria. And again, God was pleased that King Hezekiah had used the avenue of prayer instead of panicking. But how often and consistently do we do use that same avenue of prayer that is available to us in our crisis situations?

The wonderful blessing of prayer is such a beautiful privilege and honor. Definitely in our crisis situations, we do need prayer; but, let us also aim to make prayer a bigger part of our life, including praising God and giving thanks and gratitude (Phillippians 4:6) for what He has done for us and continues to do for us. David prayed seven times a day (Psalms 119:164) and many of his prayers are recorded in the Psalms. David prayed when experiencing fear, loneliness, sadness, and depression. He also prayed when he messed up and needed to repent of sin in his life. But there are many, many prayers of David that are filled with joy, happiness, and great praise and adoration towards God. In fact, the word tells us that God considered David, a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). What a testimony about the life of David and his prayer life!

Most of us, like David, are going to go through a tumult of emotions and situations, some good, some not so good, in our lifetime. The world's problems including war and the economy, along with our own personal problems and struggles, are going to impact us at times; sometimes, even several all at the same time. Let's strive, like David and those other men and women of great faith, to use that spiritual blessing of prayer to build that close "heart-to-heart" relationship with our Father not on an "as needed" basis, but on a "You are my everything" basis.



Anita Bick

With My Word as My Bait and God as My Rod PART 2

The thing about fishing is, you need to fish even if there’s only one fish in the lake. The same goes for teaching. You cast, you cast again, and you keep casting your line until you get that fish, and if the fish just won’t bite, then at least you know you tried. So just move on to the next lake. 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I planted Apollo’s water, but God gave the increase.” God commands us to try our best, and if our best can’t make a non-believer believe, then it’s not our fault, because in the end, it’s up to the fish and God.

In both cases- dealing with catching fish and teaching the gospel, you must be persistent! There is never a grey area! You cannot cast your line and then leave it unattended while you go in for a dip, you’ll never catch a fish that way! Be willing to sacrifice and give up pleasure to work towards the greater goal. This includes temptations. There will be plenty of obstacles in your way as you try to go God’s will, metaphorically, things like old tires, boots, and weeds that hook onto your line and tangle it, trying to pull you under. Do you remember that playground I mentioned earlier? Well, let’s compare it to the devil. It drew me away from my duties, presenting me with something much more exciting and appealing than what I was already doing. This is exactly what the devil does. He doesn’t like Joshua 1:16, he wants us to disobey God as much as we can, so he presents new schemes to ruin our ties with God with each new generation. But you don’t have to go it alone. We can relate my parents to fellow Christians. They helped me to stay on task, and smudged that tempting playground right out of the picture. You can always lean on other Christians to help you out, just as my parents encouraged me.

Motivation, persistence, commitment, discipline, and especially enthusiasm are all virtues necessary to carry out God’s will, and catch as many fish as you can. Like I said, enthusiasm is probably on of the most important characteristics. Just look at the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8, he didn’t know God, but he was so willing to, that he tried to learn on his own without anyone to teach him. That is how we need to be when teaching the gospel. We must want to teach it! It’s no good if you go out fishing just because your buddies want you to. In that case, you’re not very likely to have any fun and you probably won’t catch many fish. If the Ethiopian Eunuch hadn’t wanted to learn, he wouldn’t have been baptized that very same day. If you are truly enthusiastic about what you do, you’ll catch a whole ocean of fish and have a blast while doing it.

It’s funny how after 14 years of fun and exciting memories, I choose an old childhood fishing trip as my topic. Maybe that’s because it taught me an important lesson, one that I still haven’t forgotten. If I put effort into what I do, and truly care about my goals, I can accomplish anything. People fish for a lot of things: money, clothes, maybe even friendship. As for me, I fish for God, and I fish to lead others to, or back to God. I’ll close with this: Matthew 4:19, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”

--Kristina Kohl

With My Word as My Bait and God as My Rod PART 1

When I was four years old, my parents entered me into the local fishing tournament, meant for children of all ages, and trust me, there were all ages fishing that day, anywhere from four year old me to my 60 year old grandparents with the video camera. I remember how boring I thought it was, and how nobody in the whole competition had caught a fish yet. The glassy pond we were fishing in was just one of the many attractions of the beautiful park. There were also sidewalks, and fields, and, a four year olds dream- playgrounds. I begged and pleaded with my parents, trying to convince them to let me abandon my boring, un-moving, un-tugging, un-anything fishing rod, to go to the colorful jungle-gym, glistening in the sun, calling my name and pulling me towards it. But my parents refused, they saw my childish impatience. They told me to be persistent, to not give up, and if I stuck with it, I would be very happy. So, trusting my parents, I obeyed them and kept a firm eye on the rod.
~~~

An hour later I was holding a shiny gold and red trophy in my hands, gripping it with all of my heart. I was one of the only children in my age group all day to catch a fish- it wasn’t even a big fish, but it still mattered. I had a big old grin on my face the whole time, loving that my parents’ promise of happiness with persistence had come true.

There’s a lot to learn from this story, and when I first heard the verse, “All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.” (Joshua 1:16) I couldn’t think of a good topic, but as soon as I came across this memory, I couldn’t get it out of mind. Ideas and ways I could relate that verse to Christianity kept pouring over me until finally they were let loose through pencil onto paper. Joshua 1:16 is telling us that whatever god tells us to do, we need to do it. An example of one thing God wants us to do is in Mark 16:15, where Jesus says to, “Go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.” So, Joshua 1:16 commands us to do what God commands, and Mark 16:15 tells us exactly what to do. Now, here’s where my story comes in. Fishing seems to be an awful lot like teaching the Gospel. You need a great deal of faith in order to teach the Gospel, because when times are hard and it feels like no one is listening, you must trust God, just as I trusted my parents, that you will be rewarded when the “fish” bites.

Written by: Kristina Kohl
LOOK FOR PART 2 NEXT WEEK!!!!

Women in the Church: Leaders or Followers?

Women in the Lord's church may be inclined to answer the question, "Are we to be leaders or followers?" with the response "followers." This comes from misinterpretation of scriptures concerning submission. Submission and leadership can and should go hand in hand. Jesus was the most effective leader this world has ever known, though was he submissive even unto death. He prayed, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me, nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done" (Luke 22:42). All Christians, not just women, are required to be submissive. Paul exhorted Christians, "that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us" (I Corinthians 16:16). As you can see from Jesus' example, leadership and submission are not exclusive of one another. A submissive leader is a more effective leader.

Aspirations of leadership do not mean one desires the God-given appointments of leadership positions in the church, such as deaconship or eldership. Certainly not! Christian ladies, please remember that leadership is actually influence rather than position. Ladies, we are in dire need of female leadership in the church today! We need willing and pure hearted ladies to influence and lead our younger ladies in doing what is right and good. We are to be followers of Christ but leaders of mankind. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ put Christians in charge of leading others to Him, sometimes referred to as the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20). Perhaps the Christian's lack of desire, motivation, or encouragement to become a leader in the Lord's church has placed His church at a disadvantage in areas of growth, numerically and spiritually.

Here at Arnold we are in the process of cultivating leaders of our youth in the new Lads to Leaders Program. Growing leaders in the very young, though, will require active modeling of leadership from their elders, including women. Remember what Paul said to the older women, "the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things-- that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed" (Titus 2:3-5). There is always a lady younger than yourself in whom you may exert much influence.

Many workers are required in this grand endeavor of growing leaders from our youth. John Maxwell, a leadership expert/speaker/author said, "The first step to leadership is servanthood." Again, Jesus was the supreme example of servitude. Hours before his crucifixion, Jesus left an everlasting example to his 12 leaders when he washed their feet. We often remember what our loved ones say or do right before they die. Don't you think that by washing their feet, he was teaching the disciples that a servant spirit is critical in spiritual leading? I do! This must have been an important idea he wanted them to always remember? We should emulate our Lord's attitude of service in leading which may include doing some undesirable works.

In what ways can we as women lead in the Church? There are so many! It's often said we should lead by example, and that comes from a very reputable source, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Do not be a Christian who fails to practice what they preach. Have you proclaimed that being a member of the Lord's church is essential yet there are children looking for you at Sunday evening worship services or mid-week Bible study? Are you setting a good example for these little ones? (Matthew 18:6). Are younger ladies witnessing your spiritual leadership? Are you reading and studying your Bible as one would who cherishes their Christianity?

Why not become a servant-leader in the church today? Perhaps you could teach a Bible class or even one soul; mentor a younger lady; invite others to worship services; lead others by your example in attendance at worship services, faithfulness, and purity of spirit; offer your services to the Lads to Leaders program. Whatever way you choose to lead in His kingdom, the rewards will be plentiful. As Christian women, we should only desire leadership which is part of God's plan. If we seek to serve God with a willing heart and stay within the God-given leadership opportunities He has provided, we will please Him.

---Written by: Erin Holloway

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Often times, two people can both view the same thing and one will find beauty in it while the other does not. Have you ever heard the statement “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”? How true that statement is! Beauty has always been defined by culture and time. What is considered to be beautiful in one culture might be considered unusual or awkward in another. Even within the same culture the styles change and things that were once popular become outdated.

Think about the women in South Africa that wear the neck rings. Every year the women will add another ring to help stretch their neck to an abnormally long length. They consider the rings as a sign of beauty, the longer the neck is the prettier the woman. Their opinion of beauty differs from the opinion of beauty in China a couple hundred years ago, where the girls, from a young age, bound their feet. This process of binding the feet took many years and was very painful. Once the girl’s feet were broken and bound she could no longer walk without aid. The foot binding made the girl’s feet appear to be smaller and she became completely dependent on her husband for transportation. This was considered beautiful because this was a sign of submission. Even if we may consider these processes as absurd, these cultures find the neck rings and feet bindings to be very attractive. In America, we too have things that are considered to be beautiful. The Media tells us to dress a certain way, to look as young and healthy as we possibly can, and to work to appear like the women we see on the covers of magazines. Some of the things that Americans do to try to reach these standards might seem a bit absurd to someone who does not live here. For example, some Americans will use Botox, a poison that is injected under the skin to deaden the nerves and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles from the face. Or some might even have their face or body surgically altered. Americans may not find these processes unusual, but other cultures may see them as ridiculous as we might see their beauty processes as ridiculous. Beauty has always been subjective.

As women, we should desire to be beautiful, but not by the world’s definition. Who do we want to look beautiful for and what kind of beauty should we be putting our emphasis on to please this beholder? If God is our beholder there are a few things that He considers to be truly beautiful. He does not look at the outward appearance but instead looks at our hearts, (I Samuel 16:7). By knowing our hearts God considers the character of a person more appealing than the physical beauty. Those who serve others and posses the right mentality will be more attractive to Him than those who focus merely on themselves. How much time do we spend in making ourselves presentable before we leave the house in the morning? We might freshen up, fix our hair, or put on some makeup, wanting to look our best. But do we also consider how much time and effort we are putting into appearing beautiful for God? “Do not let your adornment be merely outward – arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel – rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” (I Peter 3:3-4) Many other highlights of this incorruptible beauty can also be found in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such there is no law.” (NKJV) Consider also the passage from Romans 10:15b “…How beautiful are the feet of those who teach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” God also sees beauty in those who share His good news with others. God’s word contains a great message and we should feel enthusiasm about sharing it and find joy in our lives as Christian women!

No matter how gorgeous or in shape we are, God sees the beauty in us when we are living for Him. It is comforting to know that even though we may never look like a celebrity, have that “perfect” skin, or be the “ideal” size or shape, we can be sure that if we are living the right life God will always find us to be women of beauty. For in good time, the beauty that the world chases after will fade away. The styles will become outdated and all of us grow older. But, if we wish to have it, the type of beauty that God cherishes can never be taken from us and will never fade. A life of serving God is the ultimate beauty!

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. “ - Proverbs 31:30

----Written by: Kendra Isenberg

We Are "Family" in the Church

After attending ladies class on Wednesday night and studying I Thessalonians 2:7,11; I was touched by the sincere words of Paul to the church of the Thessalonians. In verse seven, he speaks of their gentleness, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. And in verse 11, their exhortation and comfort, as a father does his own children. Upon meditating on those scriptures, I feel it speaks volumes to us as Christians in the church. When we look at how we treat our own biological family members, it is with love! Whenever we have a misunderstanding or disagreement in our homes we should and do look for ways to reconcile and forgive one another. Our biological families consist of natural relatives and possibly of “in-laws” and “step” family members, and as Christians we strive to keep harmony in the home. However, when it comes to our church “family” we tend not to have the same desire to settle our misunderstandings and accept our differences. If we treat one another as Paul’s example states in verses seven and 11, we would truly feel the love that God commands for us as His family. I John 4:21 and this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also! Our spiritual and emotional relationships in the Lord’s church should be as deep a commitment to one another as it is in our biological families. What a blessing – to have sisters and brothers that seek to build one another up in the hopes of an eternal home together! Let’s all strive to meet in heaven – our home sweet home!

--Beth Burmeister