Good Morning all,
The sun is shining, for two days in a row; must be a record! And, it's supposed to get to the 70's.
Years ago when Chuck and I were introduced to discipleship/mentoring, we realized that the process was what had been missing in our spiritual growth.
After a few years of being Christians, our pastor had good material and showed us how to use it. Chuck and I started to disciple people and in the process were discipled! The information filled in gapes that we had and gave us a structured, systematic what of studying the Word.
Today's scripture shows that the principle of discipleship for women is set forth by the Lord in Titus 2:3-5 and in Acts 18:26. I won't write out the Titus passage, so please look at it and
Acts 18:26. Then, come and join me....
In Titus we see clearly that older women are to teach younger. When I was younger I would have loved for an older woman to come along side of me and teach me the principles of being a godly Christian wife and mother. I think it would have saved me from so much heartache and mistakes as I fumbled my way through those years.
I devoured the Word and the Lord taught me with my daily prayers: "Lord, teach me to be a good wife and mother." He did in many ways, but I know that the process could have been smoother and shorter with a godly woman guiding me.
I wasn't too proud to ask, I just didn't know that I should, or could. And, except for our pastor's wife, at that time, there wasn't anyone in the early years that was mature spiritually to come along side of me. Most of the women I knew were baby Christians like me.
If you think that discipleship is for someone else, please rethink that. Also, you can be a great help to a young mom who needs to grow in every way. I didn't have a godly mother to guide me and I needed a Christian woman to help, but didn't get it. I think that's part of what drives me with a passion to disciple women.
In Acts 18:26 we see Priscilla teaching with her husband. I think this is the model for women teaching along side husbands as men are being taught. I also think that there needs to be women in the class too. A woman should NOT teach men alone. Chuck and I have taught together a few times and we've seen how we balance each other out. I can't relate to men like Chuck can and vice versa.
In this case, Apollos was invited to Aquila and Priscilla's home and instructed. He had some really good information, but they helped him to understand everything because they had been instructed by the Apostle Paul.
If you read further you'll see that Apollos went on to Achaia, taught and debated vigorously. He had been trained well and could explain well. Discipleship works ladies.
Mentoring always,
Sandy
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Twins!!!
Greetings,
Lynn and Jason are having twins! Please pray that everything will be well for them. She's almost 8 weeks now and after losing a baby last fall, that's always in their minds with this pregnancy. Chuck's dad was a twin, but no one else in either side of our families has had twins. We're excited to say the least.
Today we'll look at women ministering to the poor in practical ways. Acts 9:36: "In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor."
If you read the rest of the chapter you'll see that Dorcas got sick and died. The other disciples went and got Peter and he prayed. She came back to life. The people gathered there showed Peter all the things Dorcas had made and their grief was great. Thankfully the Lord healed her and she was able to continue with her work.
When I think about how the Lord has used the church to meet the needs of people through the free Friday giveaway, I know that the Lord is still in the process of meeting peoples needs through us, the church.
He calls us to help the needy, whether it's with clothing, food, babysitting, visits, Bibles or cash, we are called to carry out His work. He has blessed the work and will continue to call and bless. Women, who are nurturers see the needs more quickly then men and so I think that doing things like Dorcas did is how the Lord uses women in a unique way.
Thank you ladies and gentlemen for meeting the needs of others as the Lord has called you to serve. You might not think what you do is of any significance, but trust me, it is. The Lord sees what you do and is 'crediting it to your account'.
Cheering you on,
Sandy
Lynn and Jason are having twins! Please pray that everything will be well for them. She's almost 8 weeks now and after losing a baby last fall, that's always in their minds with this pregnancy. Chuck's dad was a twin, but no one else in either side of our families has had twins. We're excited to say the least.
Today we'll look at women ministering to the poor in practical ways. Acts 9:36: "In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor."
If you read the rest of the chapter you'll see that Dorcas got sick and died. The other disciples went and got Peter and he prayed. She came back to life. The people gathered there showed Peter all the things Dorcas had made and their grief was great. Thankfully the Lord healed her and she was able to continue with her work.
When I think about how the Lord has used the church to meet the needs of people through the free Friday giveaway, I know that the Lord is still in the process of meeting peoples needs through us, the church.
He calls us to help the needy, whether it's with clothing, food, babysitting, visits, Bibles or cash, we are called to carry out His work. He has blessed the work and will continue to call and bless. Women, who are nurturers see the needs more quickly then men and so I think that doing things like Dorcas did is how the Lord uses women in a unique way.
Thank you ladies and gentlemen for meeting the needs of others as the Lord has called you to serve. You might not think what you do is of any significance, but trust me, it is. The Lord sees what you do and is 'crediting it to your account'.
Cheering you on,
Sandy
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Belief and persecution
Hello Ladies and anyone else who's reading,
A long, but good weekend. We saw Lynn, Jason and Nate on Saturday and had a good visit. Chuck and Jason got some guy time in doing repair on the lawn mower. Nate was in rare form, as usual, and Lynn past the trauma that dictated their life for two and a half days. She's seeing her Ob. doctor today for an ultrasound on the baby.
I went to Josh's yesterday for a picnic. They had a nice group and as usual, wonderful food. Tiffani has the gift of hostessing; Josh grills a mean burger, be it beef or chicken. The kids had tons of fun and found a mud puddle (they made it happen) to wallow in.
I trust you are all well and that the Lord has given you blessings till they come out your ears :))).
Today's scripture is from Acts 5:14: "Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. " The Apostles were healing people and many were trusting Christ as Savior, including women.
Acts 8:12: "But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. " After salvation was baptism. There are churches/denominations that teach that a person doesn't have to be baptized. There are others that teach that salvation comes through baptism. As you can see, these verses state clearly the correct order and that baptism was a part of the new Christian's experience.
In Acts 9 we find Saul (Paul) persecuting men and women (9:2). This is the chapter that records his conversion and is worth the time to read about.
The last is 17:4,12. Here Saul is now Paul and he and Silas taught Christ and they were joined to a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women. It wasn't just Christ's group that had women working along side the men, but the apostles too. In verse 12 it says: Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.
Paul's main ministry was to the Gentiles, so as you can see, Greek people were hearing his message and believing in Christ. It wasn't just men that were being saved, or just men doing ministry.
Some denominations won't let women have a primary role in ministry, but obviously women were playing an important role in the beginning church. The Jews thought women were property and not worth even going to school past a certain point. But here we see women being honored with giving them the information so they could gain the way, the truth and the life.
All of these scriptures are to set up other topics about the role women play in ministry. Shortly we'll see about their history in various stages.
You are important in the work you do for the Lord and you need to keep up the good work as the Lord uses the gifts He's given you.
Serving Him,
Sandy
A long, but good weekend. We saw Lynn, Jason and Nate on Saturday and had a good visit. Chuck and Jason got some guy time in doing repair on the lawn mower. Nate was in rare form, as usual, and Lynn past the trauma that dictated their life for two and a half days. She's seeing her Ob. doctor today for an ultrasound on the baby.
I went to Josh's yesterday for a picnic. They had a nice group and as usual, wonderful food. Tiffani has the gift of hostessing; Josh grills a mean burger, be it beef or chicken. The kids had tons of fun and found a mud puddle (they made it happen) to wallow in.
I trust you are all well and that the Lord has given you blessings till they come out your ears :))).
Today's scripture is from Acts 5:14: "Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. " The Apostles were healing people and many were trusting Christ as Savior, including women.
Acts 8:12: "But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. " After salvation was baptism. There are churches/denominations that teach that a person doesn't have to be baptized. There are others that teach that salvation comes through baptism. As you can see, these verses state clearly the correct order and that baptism was a part of the new Christian's experience.
In Acts 9 we find Saul (Paul) persecuting men and women (9:2). This is the chapter that records his conversion and is worth the time to read about.
The last is 17:4,12. Here Saul is now Paul and he and Silas taught Christ and they were joined to a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women. It wasn't just Christ's group that had women working along side the men, but the apostles too. In verse 12 it says: Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.
Paul's main ministry was to the Gentiles, so as you can see, Greek people were hearing his message and believing in Christ. It wasn't just men that were being saved, or just men doing ministry.
Some denominations won't let women have a primary role in ministry, but obviously women were playing an important role in the beginning church. The Jews thought women were property and not worth even going to school past a certain point. But here we see women being honored with giving them the information so they could gain the way, the truth and the life.
All of these scriptures are to set up other topics about the role women play in ministry. Shortly we'll see about their history in various stages.
You are important in the work you do for the Lord and you need to keep up the good work as the Lord uses the gifts He's given you.
Serving Him,
Sandy
Friday, May 23, 2008
New Testament Women
Hi,
Thanks for praying for Lynn. She just got home and they think her rapid heart beat was triggered by a mix of medicines not agreeing with each other. We'll see. The baby is fine and she's tired. We're going to go and see them tomorrow.
We're ready to move on to the N.T. for women and the role they play in ministry. Acts 1:14: "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers."
Jesus showed us such a wonderful example of how women were a strong part of His ministry on earth. Women did more than take care of the physical needs of Him and the other men. They prayed and we all know that women are great prayer warriors. They sat at the feet of Jesus and learned and I'm sure when they could, they shared with the women that gathered to hear Jesus. Women, mentoring women (Titus 2).
God delights to have women grow in their knowledge, wisdom and understanding of Him. We need to search for those very things as if they were gold (Proverbs 16:16).
I don't know if all men are the same, but Chuck has a tendency to loose his keys. Today when we got home he discovered that he left his truck keys, in his truck. He did this one other time and of course he has to go and get them. The truck is locked (he has two sets), but he couldn't leave the keys there. He searched and found because it was extremely important.
Do you search scritpure for answers to problems? Do you seek God and His will as if it were gold? Actually His Word is better than gold, it's life! Seek and you will find and He will bless you with wisdom, knowledge and understanding.
Seeking,
Sandy
Thanks for praying for Lynn. She just got home and they think her rapid heart beat was triggered by a mix of medicines not agreeing with each other. We'll see. The baby is fine and she's tired. We're going to go and see them tomorrow.
We're ready to move on to the N.T. for women and the role they play in ministry. Acts 1:14: "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers."
Jesus showed us such a wonderful example of how women were a strong part of His ministry on earth. Women did more than take care of the physical needs of Him and the other men. They prayed and we all know that women are great prayer warriors. They sat at the feet of Jesus and learned and I'm sure when they could, they shared with the women that gathered to hear Jesus. Women, mentoring women (Titus 2).
God delights to have women grow in their knowledge, wisdom and understanding of Him. We need to search for those very things as if they were gold (Proverbs 16:16).
I don't know if all men are the same, but Chuck has a tendency to loose his keys. Today when we got home he discovered that he left his truck keys, in his truck. He did this one other time and of course he has to go and get them. The truck is locked (he has two sets), but he couldn't leave the keys there. He searched and found because it was extremely important.
Do you search scritpure for answers to problems? Do you seek God and His will as if it were gold? Actually His Word is better than gold, it's life! Seek and you will find and He will bless you with wisdom, knowledge and understanding.
Seeking,
Sandy
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wise women
Hey,
Yesterday was a zoo, so I didn't blog; sorry. Today I'm home and today the computer chair and I will get to know each other very well.
First a note: Lynn is in the hospital with rapid heart beat. They say the baby is ok, but they're bringing in Lynn's ob/gyn to check everything out. They haven't gotten the heart rate settled yet, but feel that they will, soon. So, she's in the hospital and has a room now. I would appreciate all of your prayers and I'll let you know when I know.
This is one of those times when knowing that our God is Sovereign brings so much peace. The peace that passes all understanding is with me as I trust Him, for everything.
Monday we looked at Miriam, the prophetess and today we'll look at Abigail. Abigail was married to Nabal and he was basically a nasty idiot. David had been protecting this wealthy farmer from bad guys, but Nabal didn't want to give David any food or payment.
Abigail realized that David and men could kill them all and she prepared food and took it to David/men as they were coming to deal with Nabal. 1 Samuel 25:3 says that Abigail was 'an intelligent and beautiful woman' and she used her head to keep others alive. God used her to prevent a massacre. She also didn't tell her husband.
Keeping things from our husbands isn't the right thing to do, but sometimes it's warranted, such as this time. Nabal would have prevented her from going and God was pushing her on. Nabal was a wicked man (vs. 25) and she kept his actions from destroying many people.
Long story short (you really should read the chapter) David didn't kill anyone as Abigail pleaded with David and fed everyone (men do better thinking on a full stomach, ladies!!). God killed Nabal (vs. 38) and David married Abigail; he knew a good thing when he saw it! Abigail used her intelligence to prevent a disaster; God used her.
Is God using you for His glory? Are you willing to step out and be obedient, even if you can't see the outcome, but trust God for it? Do you use your God given intelligence to make wise choices? Do you trust Him to work in and through you, in all circumstances?
Trying to be a wise woman,
Sandy
Yesterday was a zoo, so I didn't blog; sorry. Today I'm home and today the computer chair and I will get to know each other very well.
First a note: Lynn is in the hospital with rapid heart beat. They say the baby is ok, but they're bringing in Lynn's ob/gyn to check everything out. They haven't gotten the heart rate settled yet, but feel that they will, soon. So, she's in the hospital and has a room now. I would appreciate all of your prayers and I'll let you know when I know.
This is one of those times when knowing that our God is Sovereign brings so much peace. The peace that passes all understanding is with me as I trust Him, for everything.
Monday we looked at Miriam, the prophetess and today we'll look at Abigail. Abigail was married to Nabal and he was basically a nasty idiot. David had been protecting this wealthy farmer from bad guys, but Nabal didn't want to give David any food or payment.
Abigail realized that David and men could kill them all and she prepared food and took it to David/men as they were coming to deal with Nabal. 1 Samuel 25:3 says that Abigail was 'an intelligent and beautiful woman' and she used her head to keep others alive. God used her to prevent a massacre. She also didn't tell her husband.
Keeping things from our husbands isn't the right thing to do, but sometimes it's warranted, such as this time. Nabal would have prevented her from going and God was pushing her on. Nabal was a wicked man (vs. 25) and she kept his actions from destroying many people.
Long story short (you really should read the chapter) David didn't kill anyone as Abigail pleaded with David and fed everyone (men do better thinking on a full stomach, ladies!!). God killed Nabal (vs. 38) and David married Abigail; he knew a good thing when he saw it! Abigail used her intelligence to prevent a disaster; God used her.
Is God using you for His glory? Are you willing to step out and be obedient, even if you can't see the outcome, but trust God for it? Do you use your God given intelligence to make wise choices? Do you trust Him to work in and through you, in all circumstances?
Trying to be a wise woman,
Sandy
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Prophetess Miriam
Good Morning,
As I'm writing, I'm reminded that Clarence Crowder is having surgery this morning and he and Loretta need our prayers. An update on my friend Jean is that she's home recovering. She still has a long recovery ahead of her, but I want to thank you for praying for her. Because of the extreme damage to her pancreas, she is now diabetic.
There's a Titus 2 potluck at church tonight that I'm going to go to. They have one a month. It includes a devotional, craft and of course, food. I'm hoping to meet more women. I need to start developing friendships. I'm so glad that I'm only a phone call away from most of you dear friends!
In today's world, we don't hear about someone being a prophetess, but in the O.T. there were a few. Miriam, Moses' sister was one (Exodus 15:20-21); also Huldah (2 Kings 22:14). After you've read these passages, please join me.....
Miriam lead worship. Huldah had people go to her, to consult the Lord concerning the book of the Law they had discovered. If you read chapter 22 you'll get the whole picture. God's judgment was on them for past sins.
For Miriam, she led the people in worship after the victory over the Egyptians. She also had authority because God spoke through her (Numbers 12:1-6). God used both Miriam and Aaron as prophets, speaking to them in dreams and visions. Micah also reports that Miriam was sent by God to lead Israel (Micah 6:4) (foot note from my Bible).
What I see is that God uses women to accomplish His work, just as He uses men. Miriam wasn't perfect (God gave her leprosy because she opposed Moses' marriage to an Ethiopian woman-she judged wrongly).
It never says in scripture that Miriam or Huldah asked to prophetesses. God does the choosing, not us. And, how does this apply today? Does God have prophetesses today? I think in a modified way He does.
Ask Betty about the Lord giving her a message for a pastor in a church they visited and how that message came true. Keep in mind that all prophetic messages have to come true to be from the Lord (Deuteronomy 18:22). Or ask Nette about how the Lord speaks to her through very specific visions.
The Lord uses women for His good purpose. Are you ready to be used by Him, in whatever way He wants? Even if it takes you out of your comfort zone? Is your will ready to surrender to Him and then wait and see what He will do through you? The key is to be obedient, surrender, listen and act.
Listening,
Sandy
As I'm writing, I'm reminded that Clarence Crowder is having surgery this morning and he and Loretta need our prayers. An update on my friend Jean is that she's home recovering. She still has a long recovery ahead of her, but I want to thank you for praying for her. Because of the extreme damage to her pancreas, she is now diabetic.
There's a Titus 2 potluck at church tonight that I'm going to go to. They have one a month. It includes a devotional, craft and of course, food. I'm hoping to meet more women. I need to start developing friendships. I'm so glad that I'm only a phone call away from most of you dear friends!
In today's world, we don't hear about someone being a prophetess, but in the O.T. there were a few. Miriam, Moses' sister was one (Exodus 15:20-21); also Huldah (2 Kings 22:14). After you've read these passages, please join me.....
Miriam lead worship. Huldah had people go to her, to consult the Lord concerning the book of the Law they had discovered. If you read chapter 22 you'll get the whole picture. God's judgment was on them for past sins.
For Miriam, she led the people in worship after the victory over the Egyptians. She also had authority because God spoke through her (Numbers 12:1-6). God used both Miriam and Aaron as prophets, speaking to them in dreams and visions. Micah also reports that Miriam was sent by God to lead Israel (Micah 6:4) (foot note from my Bible).
What I see is that God uses women to accomplish His work, just as He uses men. Miriam wasn't perfect (God gave her leprosy because she opposed Moses' marriage to an Ethiopian woman-she judged wrongly).
It never says in scripture that Miriam or Huldah asked to prophetesses. God does the choosing, not us. And, how does this apply today? Does God have prophetesses today? I think in a modified way He does.
Ask Betty about the Lord giving her a message for a pastor in a church they visited and how that message came true. Keep in mind that all prophetic messages have to come true to be from the Lord (Deuteronomy 18:22). Or ask Nette about how the Lord speaks to her through very specific visions.
The Lord uses women for His good purpose. Are you ready to be used by Him, in whatever way He wants? Even if it takes you out of your comfort zone? Is your will ready to surrender to Him and then wait and see what He will do through you? The key is to be obedient, surrender, listen and act.
Listening,
Sandy
Monday, May 19, 2008
Hannah's prayer
Hey,
Another week and the weekend went by quickly. I went to an art fair with Tiffani on Saturday and it was great. So many artists from around the country. She and I share a love of all things artistic (she's a potter). I splurged and bought some earrings.
Chuck was actually able to go to church and Sunday school with me yesterday! We had lunch, I walked Tucker then he headed out. I was a happy camper :))).
When I looked at the scripture for today, I'm reminded of friends over the years that wanted children and had a hard time conceiving, or like Lynn miscarried. So, Hannah's prayer speaks for many women through all walks of life. Please read 1 Samuel 1:9-18 and join me.....
One of the first things that stands out to me is Hannah's anguish. She wants a baby so badly. In Jewish culture, having a child meant that you had the Lord's favor and blessing. You can imagine what not having one meant. The whole society would count the woman as a second class citizen and wonder what sin she had. This was because it's God who opens and shuts wombs.
Nowadays we know that body chemistry plays into conception, or not. Our Lynn's progesterone level was really low and that's why she miscarried. Now, after proper supplements, she's doing really well.
Back to Hannah. She's praying fervently and Eli, the head priest sees her and thinks she's drunk! What's with that? We can't know how these things worked back then, but note that she was praying directly to God.
After she and Eli get the facts straight, Eli then blesses her with "go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of Him." Eli believed Hannah. He could see her anguish and fervent need from the Lord.
Also note that she went away, ate and wasn't downcast anymore. She believed/ trusted that God would answer her prayer with a baby and that gave her peace where before was a storm of emotions.
If you read verses 19-20 you see that Hannah does conceive and Samuel is born, taking away Hannah's disgrace among the Israelites. I really like the story of Samuel and you will too, so just keep reading and enjoy what the Lord does through this woman who went to God with her request, trusted and saw the fruit.
Can you imagine when Samuel became a priest and was used so mightily by God? I don't know if Hannah got to see this. Also, she weaned him (age 4-5) and gave him to the Lord (what a sacrifice!). That meant that he went to the temple and was raised by the priests, specifically Eli. Eli was a horrible father to his own sons (2:12-36), but he did really well with Samuel. That's what happens when the Lord is in control, to accomplish His good purposes.
What is obvious from this is that we can go directly to God with our requests and that He answers them, according to His good purpose. He delights to give us good things, but we need to be obedient and trust.
Trusting Him,
Sandy
Another week and the weekend went by quickly. I went to an art fair with Tiffani on Saturday and it was great. So many artists from around the country. She and I share a love of all things artistic (she's a potter). I splurged and bought some earrings.
Chuck was actually able to go to church and Sunday school with me yesterday! We had lunch, I walked Tucker then he headed out. I was a happy camper :))).
When I looked at the scripture for today, I'm reminded of friends over the years that wanted children and had a hard time conceiving, or like Lynn miscarried. So, Hannah's prayer speaks for many women through all walks of life. Please read 1 Samuel 1:9-18 and join me.....
One of the first things that stands out to me is Hannah's anguish. She wants a baby so badly. In Jewish culture, having a child meant that you had the Lord's favor and blessing. You can imagine what not having one meant. The whole society would count the woman as a second class citizen and wonder what sin she had. This was because it's God who opens and shuts wombs.
Nowadays we know that body chemistry plays into conception, or not. Our Lynn's progesterone level was really low and that's why she miscarried. Now, after proper supplements, she's doing really well.
Back to Hannah. She's praying fervently and Eli, the head priest sees her and thinks she's drunk! What's with that? We can't know how these things worked back then, but note that she was praying directly to God.
After she and Eli get the facts straight, Eli then blesses her with "go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of Him." Eli believed Hannah. He could see her anguish and fervent need from the Lord.
Also note that she went away, ate and wasn't downcast anymore. She believed/ trusted that God would answer her prayer with a baby and that gave her peace where before was a storm of emotions.
If you read verses 19-20 you see that Hannah does conceive and Samuel is born, taking away Hannah's disgrace among the Israelites. I really like the story of Samuel and you will too, so just keep reading and enjoy what the Lord does through this woman who went to God with her request, trusted and saw the fruit.
Can you imagine when Samuel became a priest and was used so mightily by God? I don't know if Hannah got to see this. Also, she weaned him (age 4-5) and gave him to the Lord (what a sacrifice!). That meant that he went to the temple and was raised by the priests, specifically Eli. Eli was a horrible father to his own sons (2:12-36), but he did really well with Samuel. That's what happens when the Lord is in control, to accomplish His good purposes.
What is obvious from this is that we can go directly to God with our requests and that He answers them, according to His good purpose. He delights to give us good things, but we need to be obedient and trust.
Trusting Him,
Sandy
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