Your story matters.
Psalm 25:14 “Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. With them alone he shares the secrets of his promises.”
Dannah Gresh shared that we often fear man when we are disobedient to God’s plan for us. In that disobedience, we fear man and what they would think of us if they really knew what was going in our lives, or what we’ve done. Last night at the Dannah Gresh, Get Lost conference, she shared a time in her life that she was living in sexual sin and instead of seeking help, she hid and withdrew from God. It was not until she shared her struggles with a trusted Christian friend that she began to heal.
Reverence and fear of God is a total trust in who He is–a God filled with grace, love, and promises.
Dannah Gresh Get Lost Conference
“And when we obey him, every path he guides us on is fragrant with his loving kindness and his truth.” Psalm 25:10
Your story matters.
God is working His story in you, and He desires to guide you on this fragrant path filled with loving kindness and truth. Tell your story and give it words.
Dannah encouraged everyone to answer this question, “What makes you feel lonely?” Loneliness occurs when we feel separated from God. She encouraged us to speak the circumstance that is keeping us from experiencing God’s love for us and to be reminded of just how deep the Father’s love is for us.
We are redeemed and nothing can separate us from His love.
I hope you can spend time with Jesus today in His Word and prayer– talk to Him about anything that is keeping you from experiencing His amazing grace and loving kindness.
Share your story!
Your story matters!
Psalm 25:14 “Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. With them alone he shares the secrets of his promises.”
Dannah Gresh shared that we often fear man when we are disobedient to God’s plan for us. In that disobedience, we fear man and what they would think of us if they really knew what was going in our lives, or what we’ve done. Last night at the Dannah Gresh, Get Lost conference, she shared a time in her life that she was living in sexual sin and instead of seeking help, she hid and withdrew from God. It was not until she shared her struggles with a trusted Christian friend that she began to heal.
Reverence and fear of God is a total trust in who He is–a God filled with grace, love, and promises.
Dannah Gresh Get Lost Conference
“And when we obey him, every path he guides us on is fragrant with his loving kindness and his truth.” Psalm 25:10
Your story matters.
God is working His story in you, and He desires to guide you on this fragrant path filled with loving kindness and truth. Tell your story and give it words.
Dannah encouraged everyone to answer this question, “What makes you feel lonely?” Loneliness occurs when we feel separated from God. She encouraged us to speak the circumstance that is keeping us from experiencing God’s love for us and to be reminded of just how deep the Father’s love is for us.
We are redeemed and nothing can separate us from His love.
I hope you can spend time with Jesus today in His Word and prayer– talk to Him about anything that is keeping you from experiencing His amazing grace and loving kindness.
Share your story!
Your story matters!
Repentance and Renewal--A Time of Prayer
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
Jesus,
We acknowledge that your Word is Your very presence in our lives. You created us and know what will keep us safe and joyful. Your Word is good for me. It teaches me and corrects my wrong thinking and doing. Your Word trains me for the things to come—the hard things of life that will come at me. If I’m in Your Word, worldly things will be no surprise, but I will face them as a trained up soldier living in righteousness.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Jesus,
Remember when I told you, “Yes?" You came to live inside of me, and Your Holy Spirit became my comfort and guide. I am a new creation. The old has passed away and I can be restored, renewed, and redeemed. May I never forget the joy of my salvation. Lord, just as I am, right now, I come to You again asking you to renew my soul and forgive me.
John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments." Those are the very words of Jesus! Jesus is telling us how to love Him!
Jesus, how can I show you how much I love You? Your Word tells me that I can show You love by keeping your commandments and honoring Your Word. May I be in Your Word daily and loving you through my choices to follow You.
Psalm 84: 11-12
For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing
from those who do what is right.
12 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
what joy for those who trust in you.
Jesus, thank you for being my sun (my light in the darkness) and my shield of protection when temptation is hard. You promise to not withhold anything good in my life when I try my very best to be obedient to Your Word. Oh what a joy it is, Lord, to trust in You—You alone!
Jesus, Your Word says that the wages of sin is death, but through You, I can have a renewed and redeemed life. Renew me Lord. Lord, change my heart and give me the strength to be obedient to You. Help me to wait for the good things you have in store for me. Help me to not go in my own strength and will, grasping and demanding, but to wait and be content with where I am right now.
Lord, You promise that Your love covers a multitude of sin, and I know You have forgiven me and have covered me warmly with Your grace and triumphantly with Your passionate love for me. Jesus, as I receive Your mercy in my life, help me to be merciful to those who have sinned against me.
I'm claiming that THIS DAY I am renewed, redeemed, and a new thing has begun in me!
Thank you, Jesus, for already providing for me and healing me.
In Your name we pray,
Amen
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
Jesus,
We acknowledge that your Word is Your very presence in our lives. You created us and know what will keep us safe and joyful. Your Word is good for me. It teaches me and corrects my wrong thinking and doing. Your Word trains me for the things to come—the hard things of life that will come at me. If I’m in Your Word, worldly things will be no surprise, but I will face them as a trained up soldier living in righteousness.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Jesus,
Remember when I told you, “Yes?" You came to live inside of me, and Your Holy Spirit became my comfort and guide. I am a new creation. The old has passed away and I can be restored, renewed, and redeemed. May I never forget the joy of my salvation. Lord, just as I am, right now, I come to You again asking you to renew my soul and forgive me.
John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments." Those are the very words of Jesus! Jesus is telling us how to love Him!
Jesus, how can I show you how much I love You? Your Word tells me that I can show You love by keeping your commandments and honoring Your Word. May I be in Your Word daily and loving you through my choices to follow You.
Psalm 84: 11-12
For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing
from those who do what is right.
12 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
what joy for those who trust in you.
Jesus, thank you for being my sun (my light in the darkness) and my shield of protection when temptation is hard. You promise to not withhold anything good in my life when I try my very best to be obedient to Your Word. Oh what a joy it is, Lord, to trust in You—You alone!
Jesus, Your Word says that the wages of sin is death, but through You, I can have a renewed and redeemed life. Renew me Lord. Lord, change my heart and give me the strength to be obedient to You. Help me to wait for the good things you have in store for me. Help me to not go in my own strength and will, grasping and demanding, but to wait and be content with where I am right now.
Lord, You promise that Your love covers a multitude of sin, and I know You have forgiven me and have covered me warmly with Your grace and triumphantly with Your passionate love for me. Jesus, as I receive Your mercy in my life, help me to be merciful to those who have sinned against me.
I'm claiming that THIS DAY I am renewed, redeemed, and a new thing has begun in me!
Thank you, Jesus, for already providing for me and healing me.
In Your name we pray,
Amen
Why is WOW important?
Woman of Worth Mentoring Ministries started over 14 years ago. The mission and vision was to create a small group setting for girls to study God’s Word, to hold each other accountable, and to fulfill God’s plan in each girl’s life individually through consistent study of God’s Word and seeking Him.
Over the years, the original WOW group went off to college, married, and had children. Through all of life’s changes and establishing their careers and families, God has always been faithful to bring unity in the chaos of change.
When Jesus is the reason you meet you will always return at some point to reconnect. His love is binding. So despite changes, hardships, joyful events, and the natural changes of becoming an adult, the original group will be establishing a WOW group this fall. They have worked hard at staying connected. Friendship is hard work and worth the work! It doesn't happen naturally.
WOW!
Looking back as their leader, I can remember how each young lady struggled at some point and potentially did not make WOW a priority because of their personal struggles. As a leader, I worried and questioned my abilities as their leader. That’s what leaders do—passionately pray for each girl and life changes, and examine their leadership.
What joy to see how JESUS fulfills His promises if we are faithful for the right reasons—His love and mercy. It’s nothing we do—it’s all HIM. To God be the glory!
So a new season is upon us. The message in all this is to stay the course WOW girls and leaders. Do your best to make WOW a priority and the fruit of His love will follow you all the days of your life. He is faithful. When you find yourself wandering or wondering—talk about it with your leader and pray. When friends hurt you or fall short, forgive and stay the course. Talk about it with your leader and pray.
Don’t give up and be committed.
Woman of Worth Mentoring Ministries started over 14 years ago. The mission and vision was to create a small group setting for girls to study God’s Word, to hold each other accountable, and to fulfill God’s plan in each girl’s life individually through consistent study of God’s Word and seeking Him.
Over the years, the original WOW group went off to college, married, and had children. Through all of life’s changes and establishing their careers and families, God has always been faithful to bring unity in the chaos of change.
When Jesus is the reason you meet you will always return at some point to reconnect. His love is binding. So despite changes, hardships, joyful events, and the natural changes of becoming an adult, the original group will be establishing a WOW group this fall. They have worked hard at staying connected. Friendship is hard work and worth the work! It doesn't happen naturally.
WOW!
Looking back as their leader, I can remember how each young lady struggled at some point and potentially did not make WOW a priority because of their personal struggles. As a leader, I worried and questioned my abilities as their leader. That’s what leaders do—passionately pray for each girl and life changes, and examine their leadership.
What joy to see how JESUS fulfills His promises if we are faithful for the right reasons—His love and mercy. It’s nothing we do—it’s all HIM. To God be the glory!
So a new season is upon us. The message in all this is to stay the course WOW girls and leaders. Do your best to make WOW a priority and the fruit of His love will follow you all the days of your life. He is faithful. When you find yourself wandering or wondering—talk about it with your leader and pray. When friends hurt you or fall short, forgive and stay the course. Talk about it with your leader and pray.
Don’t give up and be committed.
Mother Daughter WOW night! May 4, 2013
Sharon Thomas from Established Footsteps provided a wonderful experience for our Mother Daughter WOW night. Her message was one of redemption and grace. For the mothers she challenged us to let go and let God do His work. We can’t be their savior. She also challenged to be in God’s presence EVERY day so that we can pour out His love to our family. We need to be filled by Him every day. Daughters were challenged to see their moms through the eyes of grace and make an effort to connect in a meaningful way. Also, our daughters can’t come to Christ through us. Daughters, it’s YOUR relationship with Jesus, not your parents. Are you seeking Him daily and asking Him the hard questions?
Our games proved to be a treat, and we learned much about each generation. Is that Shawn Cassidy? Is that One Direction?
Happy Mother’s Day beautiful WOW mother! I pray you will not be anxious and relinquish your beautiful daughter into the hands of God. It doesn’t mean we sit back and allow them to rule and reign; it’s more of a balance of offering guidance, support, and boundaries, but allowing them to test those boundaries in love. HARD stuff! We need to be filled each day for discernment alone!
On Sunday my family had time digesting and talking over the homework—mother daughter date handout. I pray you will find time to do this and be blessed. If you need another copy let me know!
Anna Hebb
Sharon Thomas from Established Footsteps provided a wonderful experience for our Mother Daughter WOW night. Her message was one of redemption and grace. For the mothers she challenged us to let go and let God do His work. We can’t be their savior. She also challenged to be in God’s presence EVERY day so that we can pour out His love to our family. We need to be filled by Him every day. Daughters were challenged to see their moms through the eyes of grace and make an effort to connect in a meaningful way. Also, our daughters can’t come to Christ through us. Daughters, it’s YOUR relationship with Jesus, not your parents. Are you seeking Him daily and asking Him the hard questions?
Our games proved to be a treat, and we learned much about each generation. Is that Shawn Cassidy? Is that One Direction?
Happy Mother’s Day beautiful WOW mother! I pray you will not be anxious and relinquish your beautiful daughter into the hands of God. It doesn’t mean we sit back and allow them to rule and reign; it’s more of a balance of offering guidance, support, and boundaries, but allowing them to test those boundaries in love. HARD stuff! We need to be filled each day for discernment alone!
On Sunday my family had time digesting and talking over the homework—mother daughter date handout. I pray you will find time to do this and be blessed. If you need another copy let me know!
Anna Hebb
As Woman of Worth girls continue to study Revelation, one of our leaders, Connie, suggested watching the Left Behind series. Great idea! Our first night of watching the video sparked A LOT of questions while we were watching.
1. Do animals go to heaven? We saw a lot of animals left behind with owners raptured up. Hmmmmmmmmmmm there are verses in the Bible that say animals are in heaven. Are our animals in heaven? That is a mystery we do not have clarity on. Many believe our pets are in heaven.
2. Why did the babies go to heaven in the rapture? We discussed "age of accountability". Children have not been given the opportunity intellectually or emotionally to totally understand the plan of Salvation. Those who are mentally incapacity as well are in this category. No man can judge a man's heart. God knows the age of accountability for each child. For some children by age 8 they may have full understanding. However, it may be later for some.
3. Who is the antichrist? Wouldn't he be scarry and evil looking? Actually the Bible makes it clear that the antichrist will easily deceive those left behind--nice to look at, performing miracles, a major world figure that brings "seemingly peace". Those who are left behind will be deceived.
4. Why are people who are left behind out of control and the world seems in chaos? The 7 years will bring much devastation, confusion, and the earth lacks the Holy Spirit. Literally, "All hell will break loose!" Only evil and confusion will exist.
5. Why are pastors left behind? It's not enough to know about Him, you have to believe and allow Him to be Savior. Many church goers will be left behind. It's not if you go to church it's if you trust in Him to be your Savior.
My 8 year old tried to watch with us but left. She got too emotional. Her tender heart was so confused. We spent time today talking about the movie. Here are her questions:
6. Why were their clothes left behind and they were naked? We did not see naked people but she wondered why their clothes were left behind after the rapture. We talked about artistic liberty of movie makers. We don't know how we are actually taken up--raptured-- but we are given heavenly bodies when we enter into heaven that have no sickness and no pain. Heaven also talks about our robes of righteousness.
7. Why is it when we die our bodies are left on earth? If we die before the rapture our soul is taken up, but our bodies remain. It's differrent. Some suggest that the scripture that says, "And the dead in Christ will rise" are those who have died prior to the rapture. There is lots of discussion around this.
We then talked about God's paradise, love, and mercy we discovered a major theme--trust and faith. We try to figure out everything this side of heaven. One thing we can trust is that God is a loving God, and whatever He has planned for us in eternity will be something so beautiful, safe, and loving. We don't have to be afraid.
We also talked about the importance of sharing the saving message of Jesus' love to those who do not know him, or have rejected him. Seeing those left behind leaves you speechless, heart broken, and confused. The movie has a cast of people who accept Jesus as Savior after the rapture, and the movie shares the second chance that is offered those who are left behind. At the end of the 7 years of tribulaton those who did not take the mark of the beast will be taken into heaven for their faithfulness. There is a second chance during the tribulation.
1. Do animals go to heaven? We saw a lot of animals left behind with owners raptured up. Hmmmmmmmmmmm there are verses in the Bible that say animals are in heaven. Are our animals in heaven? That is a mystery we do not have clarity on. Many believe our pets are in heaven.
2. Why did the babies go to heaven in the rapture? We discussed "age of accountability". Children have not been given the opportunity intellectually or emotionally to totally understand the plan of Salvation. Those who are mentally incapacity as well are in this category. No man can judge a man's heart. God knows the age of accountability for each child. For some children by age 8 they may have full understanding. However, it may be later for some.
3. Who is the antichrist? Wouldn't he be scarry and evil looking? Actually the Bible makes it clear that the antichrist will easily deceive those left behind--nice to look at, performing miracles, a major world figure that brings "seemingly peace". Those who are left behind will be deceived.
4. Why are people who are left behind out of control and the world seems in chaos? The 7 years will bring much devastation, confusion, and the earth lacks the Holy Spirit. Literally, "All hell will break loose!" Only evil and confusion will exist.
5. Why are pastors left behind? It's not enough to know about Him, you have to believe and allow Him to be Savior. Many church goers will be left behind. It's not if you go to church it's if you trust in Him to be your Savior.
My 8 year old tried to watch with us but left. She got too emotional. Her tender heart was so confused. We spent time today talking about the movie. Here are her questions:
6. Why were their clothes left behind and they were naked? We did not see naked people but she wondered why their clothes were left behind after the rapture. We talked about artistic liberty of movie makers. We don't know how we are actually taken up--raptured-- but we are given heavenly bodies when we enter into heaven that have no sickness and no pain. Heaven also talks about our robes of righteousness.
7. Why is it when we die our bodies are left on earth? If we die before the rapture our soul is taken up, but our bodies remain. It's differrent. Some suggest that the scripture that says, "And the dead in Christ will rise" are those who have died prior to the rapture. There is lots of discussion around this.
We then talked about God's paradise, love, and mercy we discovered a major theme--trust and faith. We try to figure out everything this side of heaven. One thing we can trust is that God is a loving God, and whatever He has planned for us in eternity will be something so beautiful, safe, and loving. We don't have to be afraid.
We also talked about the importance of sharing the saving message of Jesus' love to those who do not know him, or have rejected him. Seeing those left behind leaves you speechless, heart broken, and confused. The movie has a cast of people who accept Jesus as Savior after the rapture, and the movie shares the second chance that is offered those who are left behind. At the end of the 7 years of tribulaton those who did not take the mark of the beast will be taken into heaven for their faithfulness. There is a second chance during the tribulation.
Revelation--Amazing Love (February 10, 2013)
Our Woman of Worth Mentoring Ministries group is studying Revelation. We were in Chapter 19 and 20 in which God describes the end of the tribulation period, the millennium, and the Great White Throne of Judgment. Because Revelation is a revealing of things to come all churches and scholars have their beliefs on many of the future happenings. We decided that the differences did not matter as much as, “Do you know Him?”
One day believers will be face to face with Jesus either by natural death, His glorious appearing, and for some who believe–the rapture. When we are there in heaven it will all be made clear. We will be on the other side. It certainly is exciting to search the scriptures and to understand that the scripture is clear about heaven and hell. It’s a sober judgment of our true purpose here on Earth–to know Him, love Him, and share with others about His amazing love. Our Bible study posed the question, “Why would Jesus give Satan a second chance when He releases him?” One possible answer was given that perhaps His love is so amazingly filled with grace that even Satan gets a second chance. WOW! Amazing Love….
We can wrestle with all the meanings behind the verses but my heart tonight rested on these two things.
Heaven and Hell are the two places that God describes as an eternal resting place.
Jesus is the only way to Heaven.
Do you know Him?
Thank you Rachael and Vivian for your pure faith and your concern for those who do not know Him.
Thank you Parish for teaching us.
Thank you Jesus for always pricking my heart.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
Revelation 20:
11Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. 14Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
One day believers will be face to face with Jesus either by natural death, His glorious appearing, and for some who believe–the rapture. When we are there in heaven it will all be made clear. We will be on the other side. It certainly is exciting to search the scriptures and to understand that the scripture is clear about heaven and hell. It’s a sober judgment of our true purpose here on Earth–to know Him, love Him, and share with others about His amazing love. Our Bible study posed the question, “Why would Jesus give Satan a second chance when He releases him?” One possible answer was given that perhaps His love is so amazingly filled with grace that even Satan gets a second chance. WOW! Amazing Love….
We can wrestle with all the meanings behind the verses but my heart tonight rested on these two things.
Heaven and Hell are the two places that God describes as an eternal resting place.
Jesus is the only way to Heaven.
Do you know Him?
Thank you Rachael and Vivian for your pure faith and your concern for those who do not know Him.
Thank you Parish for teaching us.
Thank you Jesus for always pricking my heart.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
Revelation 20:
11Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. 14Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Just because....
Recently a WOW member shared a dynamic testimony from YouTube. As a leader, I was surprised at the deep interest and concern they had in regards to the testimony. It made me realize how VERY important our role is as parents. Just because they are in high school, doesn't keep them immune or safe from the things this world dishes out. They seem so mature, so solid, so ready....
I saw in their faces an understanding of how hard high school is for them and concern for their friends. We talked about "What were the precursors to Allison's spiral downward?" We listed isolating ourselves, not talking about our problems with trusted adults (parents), befriending the wrong crowd, lack of parental involvement: especially a girl's daddy, not trusting God, or having a relationship with Him.
I encourage you to watch the testimony with your daughter and talk about it. Pray before you watch it and ask God to open your hearts to discussion.
I suggested this because one parent has already done this with her WOW girl - I was deeply moved that she would want to sit and watch this with her mom.
Deuteronomy 6: 6-7
"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
Testimony: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdnxsLHDpa0
My Life: How I Came to Know God! (My story/testimony)
Recently a WOW member shared a dynamic testimony from YouTube. As a leader, I was surprised at the deep interest and concern they had in regards to the testimony. It made me realize how VERY important our role is as parents. Just because they are in high school, doesn't keep them immune or safe from the things this world dishes out. They seem so mature, so solid, so ready....
I saw in their faces an understanding of how hard high school is for them and concern for their friends. We talked about "What were the precursors to Allison's spiral downward?" We listed isolating ourselves, not talking about our problems with trusted adults (parents), befriending the wrong crowd, lack of parental involvement: especially a girl's daddy, not trusting God, or having a relationship with Him.
I encourage you to watch the testimony with your daughter and talk about it. Pray before you watch it and ask God to open your hearts to discussion.
I suggested this because one parent has already done this with her WOW girl - I was deeply moved that she would want to sit and watch this with her mom.
Deuteronomy 6: 6-7
"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
Testimony: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdnxsLHDpa0
My Life: How I Came to Know God! (My story/testimony)
November 6, 2012
The Woman of Worth Mentoring Ministries Bible Study group is studying Revelation. Last Sunday evening the passage from 2 Peter Chapter 3 was shared.
The day of the Lord is surely coming, as unexpectedly as a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise and the heavenly bodies will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be burned up. (vs.10)
Until that time God gave some instructions in the waiting:
1. Look forward to that day (vs.12) and look forward to God’s promise of new heavens and a new earth afterwards, where there will be only goodness.
I read a leadership article from a blog I follow on leadership. The writer shared that leaders should never seek a balance of past, present, future but to always be tilted MORE towards the future. A leader may consider the past, deal with the present, but her eyes are fixed on the future. It was not a Christian blog, but as a Christian I always try to think how to apply principles in a Godly way. Can you see where I am going with this? Each one of us who love the Lord and call Him Savior are LEADERS - we are Ambassador’s on this earth and our homeland is Heaven. As leaders we are bent toward the future–our final destination is heaven. Our purpose here on earth is not complicated. The world makes it complicated. We make it complicated. God doesn’t. I highlighted only goodness because thinking on only goodness makes me anxious for home. Imagine…….only goodness. Glory!
2. Try hard to live without sinning.
Are you like me? As soon as someone says, “Anna, try very hard not to ____________” well there I go thinking and doing it. Don’t worry! Paul in the Bible had the same problem, and Paul was quite the missionary for God. The only person who was without sin was Jesus. We are not Jesus. I know that is obvious, but some of us (me – don’t know about you) have this really hard time with perfectionism. I know logically I will make mistakes, fail, sin but I can really be hard on myself. Being hard on yourself to the point of you becoming God and condemning yourself is not healthy and probably could be called a sin! I talked to God about number two. He showed me this example. When your child is trying hard to change a behavior yet still struggles do you kick them to the curb? No! You help them a long and cheer them on. Acknowledge your areas of sin, actively move forward in a direction of change, and when you stumble realize that God will always help you a long! He is not counting how many times you’ve sinned and keeping a log.
3. Remember why God is waiting to return. He is giving us time to get His message of salvation out to others.
Who in your sphere of influence can you share Jesus with? A person shared on Sunday at church a sentence her Sunday School teacher shared with her as a youngster – “Your life may be the only Bible someone reads.” God may call you to specifically sit down with someone and share His Word, but more than likely He will put you in situations where living out your life is the testimony that draws someone to Jesus.
The Woman of Worth Mentoring Ministries Bible Study group is studying Revelation. Last Sunday evening the passage from 2 Peter Chapter 3 was shared.
The day of the Lord is surely coming, as unexpectedly as a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise and the heavenly bodies will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be burned up. (vs.10)
Until that time God gave some instructions in the waiting:
1. Look forward to that day (vs.12) and look forward to God’s promise of new heavens and a new earth afterwards, where there will be only goodness.
I read a leadership article from a blog I follow on leadership. The writer shared that leaders should never seek a balance of past, present, future but to always be tilted MORE towards the future. A leader may consider the past, deal with the present, but her eyes are fixed on the future. It was not a Christian blog, but as a Christian I always try to think how to apply principles in a Godly way. Can you see where I am going with this? Each one of us who love the Lord and call Him Savior are LEADERS - we are Ambassador’s on this earth and our homeland is Heaven. As leaders we are bent toward the future–our final destination is heaven. Our purpose here on earth is not complicated. The world makes it complicated. We make it complicated. God doesn’t. I highlighted only goodness because thinking on only goodness makes me anxious for home. Imagine…….only goodness. Glory!
2. Try hard to live without sinning.
Are you like me? As soon as someone says, “Anna, try very hard not to ____________” well there I go thinking and doing it. Don’t worry! Paul in the Bible had the same problem, and Paul was quite the missionary for God. The only person who was without sin was Jesus. We are not Jesus. I know that is obvious, but some of us (me – don’t know about you) have this really hard time with perfectionism. I know logically I will make mistakes, fail, sin but I can really be hard on myself. Being hard on yourself to the point of you becoming God and condemning yourself is not healthy and probably could be called a sin! I talked to God about number two. He showed me this example. When your child is trying hard to change a behavior yet still struggles do you kick them to the curb? No! You help them a long and cheer them on. Acknowledge your areas of sin, actively move forward in a direction of change, and when you stumble realize that God will always help you a long! He is not counting how many times you’ve sinned and keeping a log.
3. Remember why God is waiting to return. He is giving us time to get His message of salvation out to others.
Who in your sphere of influence can you share Jesus with? A person shared on Sunday at church a sentence her Sunday School teacher shared with her as a youngster – “Your life may be the only Bible someone reads.” God may call you to specifically sit down with someone and share His Word, but more than likely He will put you in situations where living out your life is the testimony that draws someone to Jesus.
November 3, 2012
“Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Exodus 14:13-14
Before the miracle of the Egyptians being swept away into the Red Sea, God commands them to stay calm and stand still. I have been extremely observant of noise, media, and technology. I want you to examine how many places insist that you listen to loud music, or want to stimulate you in some way. On the phone? You’ll wait to music. In Wa-Wa? You will boogie down to oldies. Goodness, I just wanted some pumpkin spice coffee at 6:30 a.m. yesterday, not a disco. Finally get out on a date or a lunch with a friend? You will be listening to a variety of music in which you have to talk over the sound to relax with your partner. I could go on and on with media sources (because I’m guilty of it!) – Twitter, Facebook, Iphone, Pinterest, Tumbler, YouTube…… These are only the big boys.
What is that doing to our bodies and minds? I read a great article on Lisa Ferentz’ blog.
"Perhaps part of the uptick of anxiety and depression is also related to our nervous system being bombarded increasingly from attention-seeking sensory stimulating electronic sources as opposed to the more passive and subtle features of the natural environment. This hyper attention is furthered with the 24/7 receiving of news of traumatic events and images from the four corners of the globe, as if it was in our front yard, keeps our brains constantly bathed in adrenaline and cortisol, the stimulants that ready the nervous system for dangers, real or imagined, in flight-fight- freeze mode. No wonder it feels like times are so tough though we are living in the lap of relative luxury. "
Moses was in a crisis at the point God spoke to them to 1. Not be afraid 2. Stand still 3. Watch Me 4. Let Me rescue you (emphasis on let, meaning don’t form a committee and figure this one out – I got it.) 5. Stay calm
Be honest. Do you like it when someone says, “Be still. Stay calm?” I recently posted on Facebook about some tasks that were stressful and my aunt posted – “Be calm!” I actually loved it. I was going through the day and Aunt Shirley’s two words to me kept coming up in my mind. I kept thinking I can only do what is before me, and I will be calm and ask God what to do next. Most of the time though I’m like the clown fish, Marlin, in Finding Nemo, in which his friends tell him to calm down, and Marlin forcefully tells them, “Don’t tell me to be calm pony boy!” Marlin was saying that to a seahorse.
Marlin sending his son Nemo to school for the first time: (remember they are fish, so the drop off is a dangerous area for a classroom under the sea)
Bob: Hey, you’re doing pretty well for a first-timer.
Marlin: Well, you can’t hold on to them forever, can you?
Bill: You know I had a tough time when my oldest went out to the drop off.
Marlin: They’ve just got to grow up som – THE DROP OFF? THEY’RE GOING TO THE DROP OFF? WHAT ARE YOU, INSANE? WHY DON’T WE FRY THEM UP NOW AND SERVE THEM WITH CHIPS?
Bob: Hey Marty, calm down.
Marlin: Don’t tell me to be calm, pony boy.
Bob: Pony boy?
Bill: You know for a clownfish, he really isn’t that funny
Ted: Pity
One small scene from a Disney movie has meaning for us. Life can be filled with anxious, upsetting moments constantly. We have opportunity not only to engage in anxious moments that are out of our control, but we are also faced with the unexpected. God was asking His people to do some pretty hard things. I don’t think we will ever see on a daily basis what they faced prior to the Red Sea parting, but we do live in a society in which the heartbeat of our existence seems to be one intense event, situation, or happening after another. People are irritable and angry. Road rage abounds, folks are tired and restless, and children are over-stimulated and stressed.
My 8-year-old can instantly get in a fuss about a shirt opening of a turtle neck not fitting over her head. Have you been there? Their head is larger than the opening of the shirt, and they start to panic and cry and stomp their feet? It’s in us to panic and fuss, stomp our feet, get overwhelmed. That happened yesterday, and I was in the right frame of mind to model for her all was well, and I gently helped her remove the turtle neck.
Is your situation bigger than the solutions you see before you?
What would happen if you took a day fast from media and contact with the world through electronics?
What would happen if the next time a stressful or crisis event occurred you took the advice of God to be still and calm and watch for Him?
What would happen if we work diligently in the events and tasks that are before us trusting that God will direct our next move — be calm and watch?
Stand still…..
Watch….
God will give you your next step…
Just stay calm…
Before the miracle of the Egyptians being swept away into the Red Sea, God commands them to stay calm and stand still. I have been extremely observant of noise, media, and technology. I want you to examine how many places insist that you listen to loud music, or want to stimulate you in some way. On the phone? You’ll wait to music. In Wa-Wa? You will boogie down to oldies. Goodness, I just wanted some pumpkin spice coffee at 6:30 a.m. yesterday, not a disco. Finally get out on a date or a lunch with a friend? You will be listening to a variety of music in which you have to talk over the sound to relax with your partner. I could go on and on with media sources (because I’m guilty of it!) – Twitter, Facebook, Iphone, Pinterest, Tumbler, YouTube…… These are only the big boys.
What is that doing to our bodies and minds? I read a great article on Lisa Ferentz’ blog.
"Perhaps part of the uptick of anxiety and depression is also related to our nervous system being bombarded increasingly from attention-seeking sensory stimulating electronic sources as opposed to the more passive and subtle features of the natural environment. This hyper attention is furthered with the 24/7 receiving of news of traumatic events and images from the four corners of the globe, as if it was in our front yard, keeps our brains constantly bathed in adrenaline and cortisol, the stimulants that ready the nervous system for dangers, real or imagined, in flight-fight- freeze mode. No wonder it feels like times are so tough though we are living in the lap of relative luxury. "
Moses was in a crisis at the point God spoke to them to 1. Not be afraid 2. Stand still 3. Watch Me 4. Let Me rescue you (emphasis on let, meaning don’t form a committee and figure this one out – I got it.) 5. Stay calm
Be honest. Do you like it when someone says, “Be still. Stay calm?” I recently posted on Facebook about some tasks that were stressful and my aunt posted – “Be calm!” I actually loved it. I was going through the day and Aunt Shirley’s two words to me kept coming up in my mind. I kept thinking I can only do what is before me, and I will be calm and ask God what to do next. Most of the time though I’m like the clown fish, Marlin, in Finding Nemo, in which his friends tell him to calm down, and Marlin forcefully tells them, “Don’t tell me to be calm pony boy!” Marlin was saying that to a seahorse.
Marlin sending his son Nemo to school for the first time: (remember they are fish, so the drop off is a dangerous area for a classroom under the sea)
Bob: Hey, you’re doing pretty well for a first-timer.
Marlin: Well, you can’t hold on to them forever, can you?
Bill: You know I had a tough time when my oldest went out to the drop off.
Marlin: They’ve just got to grow up som – THE DROP OFF? THEY’RE GOING TO THE DROP OFF? WHAT ARE YOU, INSANE? WHY DON’T WE FRY THEM UP NOW AND SERVE THEM WITH CHIPS?
Bob: Hey Marty, calm down.
Marlin: Don’t tell me to be calm, pony boy.
Bob: Pony boy?
Bill: You know for a clownfish, he really isn’t that funny
Ted: Pity
One small scene from a Disney movie has meaning for us. Life can be filled with anxious, upsetting moments constantly. We have opportunity not only to engage in anxious moments that are out of our control, but we are also faced with the unexpected. God was asking His people to do some pretty hard things. I don’t think we will ever see on a daily basis what they faced prior to the Red Sea parting, but we do live in a society in which the heartbeat of our existence seems to be one intense event, situation, or happening after another. People are irritable and angry. Road rage abounds, folks are tired and restless, and children are over-stimulated and stressed.
My 8-year-old can instantly get in a fuss about a shirt opening of a turtle neck not fitting over her head. Have you been there? Their head is larger than the opening of the shirt, and they start to panic and cry and stomp their feet? It’s in us to panic and fuss, stomp our feet, get overwhelmed. That happened yesterday, and I was in the right frame of mind to model for her all was well, and I gently helped her remove the turtle neck.
Is your situation bigger than the solutions you see before you?
- First claim: I will not be afraid
- Stand still
- Watch the Lord rescue you today
- Claim that you will never see that enemy again in your life and the Lord will fight for you
- Just stay calm
What would happen if you took a day fast from media and contact with the world through electronics?
What would happen if the next time a stressful or crisis event occurred you took the advice of God to be still and calm and watch for Him?
What would happen if we work diligently in the events and tasks that are before us trusting that God will direct our next move — be calm and watch?
Stand still…..
Watch….
God will give you your next step…
Just stay calm…
October 4, 2012
Gossip: Everyone has a story…………..
But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. Galations 5:15 (you will be just as destroyed as those you gossip about: whether your reputation, your relationships with other friends and your Savior)
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Eph 4:29
Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people. Lev 19:16
A gossip goes around revealing secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. Prov 11:13
Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness; sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, fighting, deception, malicious behavior and gossip. Romans 1:29 (Our Holy Father puts gossip in the same category as greed, hate and murder….it is UGLY)
They are likely to become lazy and spend their time gossiping…getting into other people’s business and saying things they shouldn’t. 1 Tim 5:13 (Laziness and ignorance lead to having nothing better to do that spread other people’s misery…spend that time studying; praying; learning something or helping someone)
Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. Prov. 26:20 (If the gossip stops with you….it dies…..)
What dainty morsels rumors are…but they sink deep into ones heart. Prov 8:18 (that secret or rumor you share may seem harmless and petty to you; but it could cause deep pain or humiliation to someone else)
Drama:
A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. Proverbs 16:28
Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9
Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. Prov. 14:21
Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops Prov. 26:20 (Again….it can stop dead in it’s tracks with you!)
Kindness:
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Eph: 4:32
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Luke 6:35
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. Prov 19:17 (it is enough to be kind and loving because God commands it; but He also promises to repay it)
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Gal. 6:10
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 1 Peter 3:8
Bullying:
Do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.” Zechariah 7:10
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Matthew 5:7 (All are sinners and have fallen short of God’s glory)
Stop judging other and you will not be judged. Matthew 7:1 (Take the plank out of your eye before trying to remove a speck from someone elses)
Do for others what you would like them to do for you. Matt 7:12
Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Eph 4:29
Friendship:
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Prov. 13:20
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Cor. 15:33
Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. Prov. 22:24-25
A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. Prov 17:17
Yes, the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit that is produced. Matthew 7:20
Peer Pressure:
Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then no do it. James 4:17 (There is GOOD peer pressure that holds you accountable)
My sons, if sinners entice you, do not consent. Prov. 1:10
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? Matt. 16:26 (We must live our lives looking ahead … make choices based on your eternal outcome.)
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Gal. 1:10
So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Mark 15:15 (Probably one of the worst cases of peer pressure ever recorded)
Remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptations from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it. 1 Cor 10:13
Dating:
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Cor 13:4-7 (Love does not push; pressure; bully; ignore; argue; threaten; make jealous; speak or act crudely….you God’s precious creation and your parents’ pride and joy…demand to be treated accordingly)
Women of Jerusalem, take an oath and make me a promise. Let the antelopes and the does serve as witnesses. Don’t stir up love.Don’t wake it up until it’s ready. Song of Sol 2:7 (Do not be in a rush to find/experience love….God has a perfect plan for your life…be patient….don’t watch inappropriate t.v./movies that will stir feelings that are not Godly)
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 2 Cor 6:4 (God is very clear about dating non-believers)
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 1 Cor. 6:18
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 1 Thes 4: 3-5
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jer 29:11 (Again, trust God’sperfect plan and timing for your life)
Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. Prov 19:2
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 2 Cor 6: 14-15
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 1 Tim. 5:12
“Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 1 Cor 6:13
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, ...Eph 5: 22-33 (think clearly before you date about the type of man you want to submit your life, home, and children to……)
Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 (God gave you parents & grandparents for a reason. You are to listen and heed their advice regarding who you date)
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Cor. 6: 18-20
Gossip always hurts!
Heidi Hayes
August, 2012
“I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” Revelation 3:18
Great video for your teenager (and you – we all need reminding we are worthy of His love!). I highly recommend Britt Nicole’s new album for your family!
The Woman of Worth Mentoring Ministries group is studying Revelation. This verse caught my eye and I read some commentaries. God was revealing specific issues to the church of Laodicea through John. The Laodiceans needed to be reminded that their wealth and materialism were causing them to be luke warm about God. Jesus was reminding them that He is the source of all joy and peace.
Remember me?
Jesus offers them free gold that is refined by fire, which is a strong character produced by suffering and trusting Him through our suffering. He offered white garments instead of conforming to the sins of the world. He offered a new lens from which to view the world – healing Jesus’ salve.
There was a famous medical school at Laodicea. This “eye salve” was a Phrygian powder used by oculist at the temple of Asclepius. They did not need to go to occultists; they only need to go to Jesus. If we use Jesus’ salve, we will acquire true knowledge of our spiritual condition and we will see the claims of Christ to correct that condition. We need to open our eyes to spiritual truth. ( http://versebyversecommentary.com/revelation/revelation-318/)
I thought about all our energy and excitement around back to school shopping! I pray we can spend time as a family adding these three things to the list:
1. Asking God to build character in us through the coming year and refine us as pure gold.
2. Remember to clothe ourselves each day in His love, purity, and Word. (Get the Bible out and let’s read!)
3. Keep our eyes from worthless things and focus on Him. ( Turn our eyes toward Jesus, look full in His wonderful face!)
The remaining verses of Chapter 3 -
19 Those whom I dearly and tenderly love, I tell their faults and convict and convince and reprove and chasten [I discipline and instruct them]. So be enthusiastic and in earnest and burning with zeal and repent [changing your mind and attitude].
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me.
21 He who overcomes (is victorious), I will grant him to sit beside Me on My throne, as I Myself overcame (was victorious) and sat down beside My Father on His throne.
WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS AND ULTIMATELY SIT WITH HIM FOR ETERNITY! AMEN!
Idea: I hope to spend time with my family in discussion of the coming year and adding these to our list of school supplies! It doesn’t need to be an hour-long lecture, just a reading of the verse, some highlights, and prayer. You might want to ask each family member what that particular item will look like in the coming year?
How will you incorporate clothing yourself with God’s Word and love?
Do you feel you are focused on Jesus? What does that look like in your day-to-day life activities?
What could we change to make that better?
What struggles have happened in the past that you feel have built character, and how will you approach challenges this year knowing God is with you and will help you? Celebrate the struggles God has brought you through and talk about how you and God solved them!
Anna Hebb
Great video for your teenager (and you – we all need reminding we are worthy of His love!). I highly recommend Britt Nicole’s new album for your family!
The Woman of Worth Mentoring Ministries group is studying Revelation. This verse caught my eye and I read some commentaries. God was revealing specific issues to the church of Laodicea through John. The Laodiceans needed to be reminded that their wealth and materialism were causing them to be luke warm about God. Jesus was reminding them that He is the source of all joy and peace.
Remember me?
Jesus offers them free gold that is refined by fire, which is a strong character produced by suffering and trusting Him through our suffering. He offered white garments instead of conforming to the sins of the world. He offered a new lens from which to view the world – healing Jesus’ salve.
There was a famous medical school at Laodicea. This “eye salve” was a Phrygian powder used by oculist at the temple of Asclepius. They did not need to go to occultists; they only need to go to Jesus. If we use Jesus’ salve, we will acquire true knowledge of our spiritual condition and we will see the claims of Christ to correct that condition. We need to open our eyes to spiritual truth. ( http://versebyversecommentary.com/revelation/revelation-318/)
I thought about all our energy and excitement around back to school shopping! I pray we can spend time as a family adding these three things to the list:
1. Asking God to build character in us through the coming year and refine us as pure gold.
2. Remember to clothe ourselves each day in His love, purity, and Word. (Get the Bible out and let’s read!)
3. Keep our eyes from worthless things and focus on Him. ( Turn our eyes toward Jesus, look full in His wonderful face!)
The remaining verses of Chapter 3 -
19 Those whom I dearly and tenderly love, I tell their faults and convict and convince and reprove and chasten [I discipline and instruct them]. So be enthusiastic and in earnest and burning with zeal and repent [changing your mind and attitude].
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me.
21 He who overcomes (is victorious), I will grant him to sit beside Me on My throne, as I Myself overcame (was victorious) and sat down beside My Father on His throne.
WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS AND ULTIMATELY SIT WITH HIM FOR ETERNITY! AMEN!
Idea: I hope to spend time with my family in discussion of the coming year and adding these to our list of school supplies! It doesn’t need to be an hour-long lecture, just a reading of the verse, some highlights, and prayer. You might want to ask each family member what that particular item will look like in the coming year?
How will you incorporate clothing yourself with God’s Word and love?
Do you feel you are focused on Jesus? What does that look like in your day-to-day life activities?
What could we change to make that better?
What struggles have happened in the past that you feel have built character, and how will you approach challenges this year knowing God is with you and will help you? Celebrate the struggles God has brought you through and talk about how you and God solved them!
Anna Hebb
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Shepherds were faithful and alert to the mundane, daily, lowly tasks of
caring for their sheep. Because of this – they were called to the
manger! Their faithfulness in the day to day captured God’s
heart. Their alertness and faithfulness werecharacteristics that God
could use mightily!
Don’t be so busy thinking and planning big dreams that you forget that God is
seeking those to serve him in the lull of the mundane. THIS IS THE DAY THE
LORD HAS MADE! WILL WE REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT? What amazing
things for God can you do today inthe midst of the same old, same old?
Begin your new year rejoicing in the small things of the day and asking God how
you can be present in the moment and available to show His love.
January 2012, Anna Hebb
caring for their sheep. Because of this – they were called to the
manger! Their faithfulness in the day to day captured God’s
heart. Their alertness and faithfulness werecharacteristics that God
could use mightily!
Don’t be so busy thinking and planning big dreams that you forget that God is
seeking those to serve him in the lull of the mundane. THIS IS THE DAY THE
LORD HAS MADE! WILL WE REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT? What amazing
things for God can you do today inthe midst of the same old, same old?
Begin your new year rejoicing in the small things of the day and asking God how
you can be present in the moment and available to show His love.
January 2012, Anna Hebb
Created in HIS image.
November 19, 2011
Dear WOW sister!
CREATED IN GODS IMAGE!
Think on that long and hard.
We say it so often as Christians we take it for granted.
Do we really believe this?
Last night we discovered that the MAIN purpose we exist and WHY we were
create in His image is to grow in a relationship with HIM, and THEN share that
knowledge and His love with those around us. We read about a woman who all her worth
and her purpose was fame as a boxer.
Once she no longer could be famous and receive her worth through boxing
due to an accident in the ring leaving her paralyzed, she felt her life was
over. She ended her life. We compared her story to Joni Erickson
Tada who became paralyzed after a diving accident as a teenager.
She struggled with all the same things as the boxer – feeling like her
life was over, depression, finding her worth in the new life she would
live. BUT GOD CAME IN AND RESCUED HER FROM THE PIT! She CHOSEto see herself as
created in God’s image not on the outside but the INSIDE!
Her worth was found in a relationship with Jesus, and His love poured out
of her into ministry for Him.
Helping others! Her link is
below:
http://www.joniandfriends.org/
What happens when we live in a world surrounded by
friends who choose the world’s definition of worth and love?
What happens and what do we do when they entice us, tease us, and reject
us? We learned from God’s Word
that bad company corrupts us. We
don’t become intimate, yet we run from bad company –those who would pull us away
from Jesus. However God also calls
us to love.
I Corinthians 13 -
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no
record of wrongs. 6Love
does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It
always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails.
God in His mercy towards us asks us to be merciful to others.
If you have a friend who is running after the world – pray for her,
encourage her, bless her, don’t gossip about her and DON’T JUDGE HER! God says – for the measure you judge –
so to YOU will be judged. God says we ALL fall short and sin – ALL.
That means every Christian in a pew at church on Sunday, every preacher
preaching from the pulpit, every Christian mother raising children, every WOW
sister on Friday night sitting around a table reading God’s Word.
ALL. We ALL need Him.
As we study God’s word and our Girl’s of
Grace book pray to God asking these two
questions:
God FIRST call to my attention areas that I need to work on and help me change.
God Secondly if I’m reminded of a friend who is caught in sin, may I spend more time
praying for her, than gossiping about her – help me be a blessing and YOUR light
of love to her.
I love you……Mrs. Hebb
Dear WOW sister!
CREATED IN GODS IMAGE!
Think on that long and hard.
We say it so often as Christians we take it for granted.
Do we really believe this?
Last night we discovered that the MAIN purpose we exist and WHY we were
create in His image is to grow in a relationship with HIM, and THEN share that
knowledge and His love with those around us. We read about a woman who all her worth
and her purpose was fame as a boxer.
Once she no longer could be famous and receive her worth through boxing
due to an accident in the ring leaving her paralyzed, she felt her life was
over. She ended her life. We compared her story to Joni Erickson
Tada who became paralyzed after a diving accident as a teenager.
She struggled with all the same things as the boxer – feeling like her
life was over, depression, finding her worth in the new life she would
live. BUT GOD CAME IN AND RESCUED HER FROM THE PIT! She CHOSEto see herself as
created in God’s image not on the outside but the INSIDE!
Her worth was found in a relationship with Jesus, and His love poured out
of her into ministry for Him.
Helping others! Her link is
below:
http://www.joniandfriends.org/
What happens when we live in a world surrounded by
friends who choose the world’s definition of worth and love?
What happens and what do we do when they entice us, tease us, and reject
us? We learned from God’s Word
that bad company corrupts us. We
don’t become intimate, yet we run from bad company –those who would pull us away
from Jesus. However God also calls
us to love.
I Corinthians 13 -
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no
record of wrongs. 6Love
does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It
always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails.
God in His mercy towards us asks us to be merciful to others.
If you have a friend who is running after the world – pray for her,
encourage her, bless her, don’t gossip about her and DON’T JUDGE HER! God says – for the measure you judge –
so to YOU will be judged. God says we ALL fall short and sin – ALL.
That means every Christian in a pew at church on Sunday, every preacher
preaching from the pulpit, every Christian mother raising children, every WOW
sister on Friday night sitting around a table reading God’s Word.
ALL. We ALL need Him.
As we study God’s word and our Girl’s of
Grace book pray to God asking these two
questions:
God FIRST call to my attention areas that I need to work on and help me change.
God Secondly if I’m reminded of a friend who is caught in sin, may I spend more time
praying for her, than gossiping about her – help me be a blessing and YOUR light
of love to her.
I love you……Mrs. Hebb
His loves is REVOLUTIONARY!
The term revolutionary refers to something that has a major, sudden impact on
society or on some aspect of human endeavor.
WoW Ladies,
We had a sudden impact this weekend at Camp Willow Run that if we CHOOSE to
embrace His love we could change the world around us. We learned so much
about Jesus’ love for us that our eyes were open to the fact that NOTHING ELSE
would ever satisfy us. No guy, no food, no trip, no achievement, nothing
could satisfy like Jesus and His love for us.
JESUS IS WILD ABOUT YOU! “You are altogether beautiful, my darling, and
there is no blemish in you.” Song of Solomon 4:7
Hannah shared in large group that she had always thought those verses in Song
of Solomon were for her future mate – to WAIT for this kind of love; however,
she realized for the first time that she can experience that kind of love RIGHT
NOW ! That the verse was sharing the fact that Jesus is our first love –
He loves us like that! WOW!
So, you might be saying – I don’t feel it, I need more information about
that. Pick up the best book of love letters to you – The Bible and pray for
Jesus to reveal His love to you through these verses:
Zephaniah 3:17
Song of Solomon 2:16
Song of Solomon 4:7
Psalm 45:11
Song of Solomon 5:2
Psalm 139 (the whole chapter!)
Each morning when you get up to face the world say to yourself out loud Jesus
is wild about me, He loves me, He is all I need. When tempted to let the
world define you claim HIS love for you. His amazing Love for you!
Life is a series of small choices – nothing happens by luck or chance.
It’s our choices combined with His providence and plan for you. Ask Jesus
to show you His will, and to give you wisdom. Seek out a WOW mentor or
parent to pray with you.
Mrs. Howle opened up one morning and shared her testimony. It was
inspiring, life changing, and a wonderful reminder to share our hearts, seek
encouragement from believers, and how we can learn from each other’s
testimony. Thank you Mrs. Howle! Thank you Victoria for sharing your
true beauty testimony, and how God delivered you from the world’s definition of
beauty through tanning by way of a serious diagnoses of Melanoma. We
overcome with the word of our testimony ( Revelation 12:11). We need to
share what God is doing in our lives.
Linda, the camp director, shared with us the WOW FACTOR! Worth Our
Wait. Woman of Worth – it’s Worth Our Wait….. Wait on the Lord and
seek Him – make Him your first love, and as you are filled with the love of
Jesus “all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 All of
us have a list of things we desire, want to fill us up.
Right now take time to either say aloud or write out the things that you
focus on so much it consumes you. Then honestly talk to Jesus about if He
is first place, or has this focus – this obsession -become your every thought
and aim. If so, pray to Jesus for release and acceptance of where you are
and ask Him to give you strength and direction to fall deeper in love with
Him.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for loving me more than any person ever will. Thank you for
seeing me as fearfully and wonderfully made. Lord help me to rely on that
love and accept Your love. Help me to make you my first love, and first
priority. Amen
October, 2011
society or on some aspect of human endeavor.
WoW Ladies,
We had a sudden impact this weekend at Camp Willow Run that if we CHOOSE to
embrace His love we could change the world around us. We learned so much
about Jesus’ love for us that our eyes were open to the fact that NOTHING ELSE
would ever satisfy us. No guy, no food, no trip, no achievement, nothing
could satisfy like Jesus and His love for us.
JESUS IS WILD ABOUT YOU! “You are altogether beautiful, my darling, and
there is no blemish in you.” Song of Solomon 4:7
Hannah shared in large group that she had always thought those verses in Song
of Solomon were for her future mate – to WAIT for this kind of love; however,
she realized for the first time that she can experience that kind of love RIGHT
NOW ! That the verse was sharing the fact that Jesus is our first love –
He loves us like that! WOW!
So, you might be saying – I don’t feel it, I need more information about
that. Pick up the best book of love letters to you – The Bible and pray for
Jesus to reveal His love to you through these verses:
Zephaniah 3:17
Song of Solomon 2:16
Song of Solomon 4:7
Psalm 45:11
Song of Solomon 5:2
Psalm 139 (the whole chapter!)
Each morning when you get up to face the world say to yourself out loud Jesus
is wild about me, He loves me, He is all I need. When tempted to let the
world define you claim HIS love for you. His amazing Love for you!
Life is a series of small choices – nothing happens by luck or chance.
It’s our choices combined with His providence and plan for you. Ask Jesus
to show you His will, and to give you wisdom. Seek out a WOW mentor or
parent to pray with you.
Mrs. Howle opened up one morning and shared her testimony. It was
inspiring, life changing, and a wonderful reminder to share our hearts, seek
encouragement from believers, and how we can learn from each other’s
testimony. Thank you Mrs. Howle! Thank you Victoria for sharing your
true beauty testimony, and how God delivered you from the world’s definition of
beauty through tanning by way of a serious diagnoses of Melanoma. We
overcome with the word of our testimony ( Revelation 12:11). We need to
share what God is doing in our lives.
Linda, the camp director, shared with us the WOW FACTOR! Worth Our
Wait. Woman of Worth – it’s Worth Our Wait….. Wait on the Lord and
seek Him – make Him your first love, and as you are filled with the love of
Jesus “all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 All of
us have a list of things we desire, want to fill us up.
Right now take time to either say aloud or write out the things that you
focus on so much it consumes you. Then honestly talk to Jesus about if He
is first place, or has this focus – this obsession -become your every thought
and aim. If so, pray to Jesus for release and acceptance of where you are
and ask Him to give you strength and direction to fall deeper in love with
Him.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for loving me more than any person ever will. Thank you for
seeing me as fearfully and wonderfully made. Lord help me to rely on that
love and accept Your love. Help me to make you my first love, and first
priority. Amen
October, 2011
Worthwhile Moments
Beautiful WOW Sister,
Psalm 139:14 “ I praise you because I amfearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful. I know thatfull well.”
As you put on your shoes for the day, remember our lesson If the Shoe Fits
Wear It! Each of usis uniquely made to first and foremost SEEK HIM!
Remember our verse from Acts in which we learned that we were made for the
purpose of seeking Him. Nothing else is more important or should take the
place of seeking Jesus and His lovefor you. I pray you will find time to
dig into His Word and know Him foryourself and learn what He has just for
you. We learned in Ephesians that He ALREADY has a work prepared for
me. It’s my journey to figure this “work” out. You are called to
change the world! Rememberwe make great changes one day at a time, one
relationship at a time, one smile, one decision to do the right thing, help
someone, give of yourself, change a bad habit…….Your life is filled with moments
that add up to your story. Remember each moment belongs to God and He desires to walk with you through it all.
Give up comparing yourself to others! Look up towards heaven and worship
the One who created you so wonderfully!
I truly enjoyed getting to know everyone’s personality type and celebrate our
differences! God created us all different so that we could make up the body
of Christ and do GREAT things for HIM! Celebrate who you are and be the
best YOU, you can be.
Pray for the Mother/Daughter retreat next weekend at Camp Willow Run!
Dear Jesus,
I praise you because I am created by your very hands. Thank you for
loving me so much. Jesus help me find time to put you first and seek
you. - Amen
August, 2011
Anna Hebb
Psalm 139:14 “ I praise you because I amfearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful. I know thatfull well.”
As you put on your shoes for the day, remember our lesson If the Shoe Fits
Wear It! Each of usis uniquely made to first and foremost SEEK HIM!
Remember our verse from Acts in which we learned that we were made for the
purpose of seeking Him. Nothing else is more important or should take the
place of seeking Jesus and His lovefor you. I pray you will find time to
dig into His Word and know Him foryourself and learn what He has just for
you. We learned in Ephesians that He ALREADY has a work prepared for
me. It’s my journey to figure this “work” out. You are called to
change the world! Rememberwe make great changes one day at a time, one
relationship at a time, one smile, one decision to do the right thing, help
someone, give of yourself, change a bad habit…….Your life is filled with moments
that add up to your story. Remember each moment belongs to God and He desires to walk with you through it all.
Give up comparing yourself to others! Look up towards heaven and worship
the One who created you so wonderfully!
I truly enjoyed getting to know everyone’s personality type and celebrate our
differences! God created us all different so that we could make up the body
of Christ and do GREAT things for HIM! Celebrate who you are and be the
best YOU, you can be.
Pray for the Mother/Daughter retreat next weekend at Camp Willow Run!
Dear Jesus,
I praise you because I am created by your very hands. Thank you for
loving me so much. Jesus help me find time to put you first and seek
you. - Amen
August, 2011
Anna Hebb