"The heart of her husband safely trusts her" - Proverbs 31:11 NKJV
The poet wrote, 'Love in your heart is not put there to stay. Love isn't love, till you give it away.' We can be rejected by many, as long as we can come home and be loved by one. At times life will beat you down, so make your home a sanctuary. Here's a story to help you do that.
He'd finally decided to ask his employer for a pay rise. Before leaving for work he told his wife about it. All day long she felt apprehensive. Finally, late in the afternoon he summoned the courage to approach his boss. To his delight he got the pay rise. Elated, he arrived home to a beautiful table set with their best china and lighted candles. Smelling the aroma of a specially prepared meal, he guessed that somebody from the office had called his wife and tipped her off. Finding her in the kitchen he shared the good news. They embraced before sitting down to a wonderful meal. Next to his plate he found a note that read, 'Congratulations! I knew you'd get the pay rise. This dinner is to show how much I love you.' Later, on his way to the kitchen to help his wife serve dessert, he noticed a second card that had fallen from her pocket. Picking it up off the floor he read, 'Don't worry about not getting the pay rise. You deserve it anyway. This dinner is to show you how much I love you.' Acceptance! Love! She stood behind him no matter what - softening the blows, healing the wounds, believing in him. So the word for you today is - support your spouse!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Praise In The Early Stages
"They praised [God] because the foundation was laid" - Ezra 3:11 NKJV
We read, 'When the builders completed the foundation of the Lord's Temple... all the people gave a great shout, praising the Lord... ' (vv. 10-11 NLT). Why praise God in the early stages of something? First, because praise is an act of faith. It says, 'Lord, what You start, You finish. Thank You for giving me Your plan because Your plan always prevails. Some folk think I won't succeed, but with You on my side I'll succeed anyway. I'm not doing this for myself; I'm doing it for You and with You.' Second, because praise strengthens you. Nehemiah told his workers, '... "The joy of the Lord is your strength!"' (Nehemiah 8:10 NLT). If you lose your joy you lose your strength. If you lose your strength you lose your power to overcome the enemy. If you lose your power to overcome the enemy, you're defeated. But if you praise God even when all you have in front of you is a small beginning, His joy will energise you and you'll find it easier to complete the task. If you only praise God when things are easy or going right, you won't praise much, you won't have joy and you won't have strength. Third, because praise changes your environment. Imagine wheelbarrows, cement mixers, a partially built wall, and in the midst of it people shouting the praises of God. That's what happens when you put on a praise CD or tune into a Christian radio station; your problems don't necessarily change, but your outlook does. Simply stated, when you praise God in the early stages, you work better and the job gets done!
We read, 'When the builders completed the foundation of the Lord's Temple... all the people gave a great shout, praising the Lord... ' (vv. 10-11 NLT). Why praise God in the early stages of something? First, because praise is an act of faith. It says, 'Lord, what You start, You finish. Thank You for giving me Your plan because Your plan always prevails. Some folk think I won't succeed, but with You on my side I'll succeed anyway. I'm not doing this for myself; I'm doing it for You and with You.' Second, because praise strengthens you. Nehemiah told his workers, '... "The joy of the Lord is your strength!"' (Nehemiah 8:10 NLT). If you lose your joy you lose your strength. If you lose your strength you lose your power to overcome the enemy. If you lose your power to overcome the enemy, you're defeated. But if you praise God even when all you have in front of you is a small beginning, His joy will energise you and you'll find it easier to complete the task. If you only praise God when things are easy or going right, you won't praise much, you won't have joy and you won't have strength. Third, because praise changes your environment. Imagine wheelbarrows, cement mixers, a partially built wall, and in the midst of it people shouting the praises of God. That's what happens when you put on a praise CD or tune into a Christian radio station; your problems don't necessarily change, but your outlook does. Simply stated, when you praise God in the early stages, you work better and the job gets done!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Why We Need Each Other
A mouse looked out through a crack in a farmhouse wall and was distraught to discover a mousetrap. When he went to tell his buddies, the chicken said, 'Sorry, pal, not my problem.' The pig said, 'I'll pray for you.' The cow was busy and said, 'Come back later.' Dejected, the mouse was left alone to handle his problem. That night, a poisonous snake got caught in the mousetrap and when the farmer's wife went to investigate she got bitten. She developed a raging fever, and everyone knows you treat a fever with chicken soup. So the farmer took his axe to the barn for the main ingredient! As his wife's condition deteriorated and neighbours gathered, he had to butcher the pig to feed them. Finally she died. So many people came to the funeral that he ended up slaughtering the cow to make dinner for them all. In the end, everybody lost!
The Bible says, '... Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.' It only takes one thing to be an encourager: a willingness to '... bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves' (Romans 15:1 NAS). Before deciding somebody else's problem has nothing to do with you, read this: '... If one member suffers, all the members suffer... ' (1 Corinthians 12:26 NKJV). You can't sit on the sidelines while someone's hurting; tomorrow it may be you! We are told to 'Share each other's burdens... ' (Galatians 6:2 NLT). When one of us is threatened we're all at risk. Our lives are woven together for a reason; each of us is a vital thread in another person's tapestry
The Bible says, '... Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.' It only takes one thing to be an encourager: a willingness to '... bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves' (Romans 15:1 NAS). Before deciding somebody else's problem has nothing to do with you, read this: '... If one member suffers, all the members suffer... ' (1 Corinthians 12:26 NKJV). You can't sit on the sidelines while someone's hurting; tomorrow it may be you! We are told to 'Share each other's burdens... ' (Galatians 6:2 NLT). When one of us is threatened we're all at risk. Our lives are woven together for a reason; each of us is a vital thread in another person's tapestry
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
OOOPS! I forgot to tell you a few things
Hello again, Ladies
I forgot to include yesterday in the reminder about a few outreach projects…..
If you can, please remember we are having a secret shower for Dalys’s daughter. If you have anything a new mom could use, including words of advice in a card, please remember to bring it on Thursday. you can wrap any items or put them in a gift bag. Names on the bag are optional. We will be delivering the stuff to her daughter early next week. The Lord has really laid on our hearts to reach out to this young new mom and let her know God not only knows about her situation but He loves her and her new little baby dearly.
Please do not feel obligated to contribute if you are not at a point to be able to do so. Again, a card with encouraging words and prayer is just as powerful in God’s eyes and those in whom they have been offered on behalf of.
Secondly, the food pantry is in need of diapers. We will be collecting diapers all this month to deliver to the food pantry. We have chosen to do this activity as our Spring Outreach since the PRC is well blessed with food and diapers at this time. Our love and support will still be with the Will County PRC as we come together to support them in their Annual Walk for Life in April.
Also, we are still in need of some ladies to bake for the couples event on March 20th. If you have already received an email from Priscilla, she has your name and has you on the list. if you are willing to help support this event (they in turn are supporting our MOMS group and will give us some PR) by baking, please let myself or Priscilla know asap. Any amount of cookies or brownies are appreciated.
As sisters in Christ we stand in the gap for those whom the Lord lays on our hearts. I am so blessed to call you all my sisters. I treasure each one of you and pray for you and your families. Today is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!!!!!!
Blessings to you,
I forgot to include yesterday in the reminder about a few outreach projects…..
If you can, please remember we are having a secret shower for Dalys’s daughter. If you have anything a new mom could use, including words of advice in a card, please remember to bring it on Thursday. you can wrap any items or put them in a gift bag. Names on the bag are optional. We will be delivering the stuff to her daughter early next week. The Lord has really laid on our hearts to reach out to this young new mom and let her know God not only knows about her situation but He loves her and her new little baby dearly.
Please do not feel obligated to contribute if you are not at a point to be able to do so. Again, a card with encouraging words and prayer is just as powerful in God’s eyes and those in whom they have been offered on behalf of.
Secondly, the food pantry is in need of diapers. We will be collecting diapers all this month to deliver to the food pantry. We have chosen to do this activity as our Spring Outreach since the PRC is well blessed with food and diapers at this time. Our love and support will still be with the Will County PRC as we come together to support them in their Annual Walk for Life in April.
Also, we are still in need of some ladies to bake for the couples event on March 20th. If you have already received an email from Priscilla, she has your name and has you on the list. if you are willing to help support this event (they in turn are supporting our MOMS group and will give us some PR) by baking, please let myself or Priscilla know asap. Any amount of cookies or brownies are appreciated.
As sisters in Christ we stand in the gap for those whom the Lord lays on our hearts. I am so blessed to call you all my sisters. I treasure each one of you and pray for you and your families. Today is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!!!!!!
Blessings to you,
Monday, March 7, 2011
Tips for Keeping A Good Marriage
* Laugh and do not take things so seriously at times
* Be patient, things in life can be seasonal
* Be content
* Support your spouse positively and give spiritual encouragement
* Say what you mean and mean what you say
* Consider what is truly important in the relationship
* Communicate – don’t assume your husband knows what you want
* Practice forgiveness
* Listen!!!!!!!
* Make your spouse a priority
* Look for the good and tell him one (or more) positive things daily
* Agree to disagree
* Communication and sharing skills are important – practice them
* Become a student of each other
* Enjoy sex as a husband and wife united together
* Find something to do together (hobby, sport, etc)
* Have date nights on a regular basis if possible
* Express gratitude for each other
* Kiss him good-bye every morning
* Really listen to one another: Stop-Look-Listen
* Meditate on the reasons why you love your spouse Pray together and be of one mind
* Watch your touch with other men
* Communicate, tolerate and support one another
* Be a cheerleader for your spouse
* Make time for show interest in what interests your spouse
* Don’t stop French kissing
* Treat your husband as your neighbor
* Pray and listen for discernment
* Stop the “stinkin thinking” as soon as it starts
* Remember forgiveness begins with yourself
* Don’t hold onto offenses – forgive right away and stop the enemy in his tracks
* Be patient, things in life can be seasonal
* Be content
* Support your spouse positively and give spiritual encouragement
* Say what you mean and mean what you say
* Consider what is truly important in the relationship
* Communicate – don’t assume your husband knows what you want
* Practice forgiveness
* Listen!!!!!!!
* Make your spouse a priority
* Look for the good and tell him one (or more) positive things daily
* Agree to disagree
* Communication and sharing skills are important – practice them
* Become a student of each other
* Enjoy sex as a husband and wife united together
* Find something to do together (hobby, sport, etc)
* Have date nights on a regular basis if possible
* Express gratitude for each other
* Kiss him good-bye every morning
* Really listen to one another: Stop-Look-Listen
* Meditate on the reasons why you love your spouse Pray together and be of one mind
* Watch your touch with other men
* Communicate, tolerate and support one another
* Be a cheerleader for your spouse
* Make time for show interest in what interests your spouse
* Don’t stop French kissing
* Treat your husband as your neighbor
* Pray and listen for discernment
* Stop the “stinkin thinking” as soon as it starts
* Remember forgiveness begins with yourself
* Don’t hold onto offenses – forgive right away and stop the enemy in his tracks
MOMS Tips for marriage
Hello!
Hard to believe almost two weeks have passed already since our last meeting. I had completely forgot to send out the Tips for a Great Marriage notes from our table discussions. I came across them as I sat down to put some things together for this week’s meeting. The list is a pretty good one!! Be sure to open the attachment and print it. Refer to it frequently and remind yourself how blessed you truly are and use it as a reminder that all good things in life take work….especially our marriages.
I look forward to seeing you on Thursday. Our discussion will be on discipline and why we need to discipline our children. This discussion is for all….whether your kids are 2 months old, 2 years old or 22 years old. My mamma always says, “once a mom, always a mom!”. In addition to our discussion on the topic, we will also have some time to share about our precious children. PLEASE take a few minutes and pull out a several photos of your children. Share as many or as few as you would like. It will be a fun meeting to meet the children (in picture, of course) of your tablemates. You all will get a chance to share about the wonderful child/children the Lord has placed in your care.
We had many out sick last meeting or with sick little ones. Please know we will be praying for you all and for your attendance at the meeting. I pray that each one of you know you are loved and cherished by our MOMS group, but also, and even more so, by your Lord and Savior!
Until Thursday,
Rose
Hard to believe almost two weeks have passed already since our last meeting. I had completely forgot to send out the Tips for a Great Marriage notes from our table discussions. I came across them as I sat down to put some things together for this week’s meeting. The list is a pretty good one!! Be sure to open the attachment and print it. Refer to it frequently and remind yourself how blessed you truly are and use it as a reminder that all good things in life take work….especially our marriages.
I look forward to seeing you on Thursday. Our discussion will be on discipline and why we need to discipline our children. This discussion is for all….whether your kids are 2 months old, 2 years old or 22 years old. My mamma always says, “once a mom, always a mom!”. In addition to our discussion on the topic, we will also have some time to share about our precious children. PLEASE take a few minutes and pull out a several photos of your children. Share as many or as few as you would like. It will be a fun meeting to meet the children (in picture, of course) of your tablemates. You all will get a chance to share about the wonderful child/children the Lord has placed in your care.
We had many out sick last meeting or with sick little ones. Please know we will be praying for you all and for your attendance at the meeting. I pray that each one of you know you are loved and cherished by our MOMS group, but also, and even more so, by your Lord and Savior!
Until Thursday,
Rose
MEDICAL CLINIC GRAND OPENING
MEDICAL CLINIC GRAND OPENING
Will County Pregnancy Resource Center
Date: Sunday, March 13, 2011
Time: 2pm
Where: 1429 Plainfield Rd in Joliet (at the PRC)
Why: To celebrate what God has done at Will County and what He is going to continue to do!!
Please feel free to invite anyone who shares our vision and heart to see more unborn babies saved through ultrasound technology!
Following the ribbon cutting we will have a dessert social, tours of the renovated center and time of fellowship at the PRC.
Hope to see you at this
MILESTONE CELEBRATION!
For more Information call 815-744-7755 or email rosie@hopeforafuture.com
Will County Pregnancy Resource Center
Date: Sunday, March 13, 2011
Time: 2pm
Where: 1429 Plainfield Rd in Joliet (at the PRC)
Why: To celebrate what God has done at Will County and what He is going to continue to do!!
Please feel free to invite anyone who shares our vision and heart to see more unborn babies saved through ultrasound technology!
Following the ribbon cutting we will have a dessert social, tours of the renovated center and time of fellowship at the PRC.
Hope to see you at this
MILESTONE CELEBRATION!
For more Information call 815-744-7755 or email rosie@hopeforafuture.com
PRC Clinic GRAND OPENINING
Moms,
As you know, our MOMS group has supported the Will County Pregnancy Resource Center for many years with love through our prayers and specific outreaches. I wanted to pass this invitation on to you on behalf of the PRC. Prayerfully consider attending this event if your schedule allows and celebrate what God is doing in and through the center. Also, you might want to keep April 29, 2011 free on your calendar to attend the annual Walk for Life that will be held. Many of you have attended the walk in the past and have had a really fun day with your family.
Please take a few minutes and read through the email from Rosie below and the attached invitation.
Blessings to you all,
Rose
As you know, our MOMS group has supported the Will County Pregnancy Resource Center for many years with love through our prayers and specific outreaches. I wanted to pass this invitation on to you on behalf of the PRC. Prayerfully consider attending this event if your schedule allows and celebrate what God is doing in and through the center. Also, you might want to keep April 29, 2011 free on your calendar to attend the annual Walk for Life that will be held. Many of you have attended the walk in the past and have had a really fun day with your family.
Please take a few minutes and read through the email from Rosie below and the attached invitation.
Blessings to you all,
Rose
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Think About What You Think About
Nick was a tough guy with a bad outlook. He worked on the railways. One night after all his fellow workers had gone home he accidentally locked himself in a refrigerated carriage. Worried that the temperature was below freezing, he yelled for help, but to no avail. The more he thought about his situation the colder he felt, until eventually he started shivering uncontrollably. Convinced he was dying, he wrote a letter to his family outlining what had happened. The next morning they found Nick's body. An autopsy revealed that he had indeed frozen to death. But the investigators discovered something puzzling. The carriage in which Nick was trapped was out of order and had been disconnected. The night he froze to death the temperature in the boxcar was 16.1 degrees, just below room temperature. But because he expected to die, he lost the battle in his mind.
What you believe about your life is more important than what anyone else believes. Job said, 'What I feared has come upon me.' Be careful what you anticipate; negative expectations become self-fulfilling prophecies. God has promised to help you, but you get the deciding vote. By focusing on the negative you're agreeing to let satan defeat you. Jesus said, '... "According to your faith will it be done for you"' (Matthew 9:29 NIV}. So get into agreement with God's Word and focus on His promises instead of your problems. When you do, your faith will take you to new levels of victory. But it's up to you to take the first step!
What you believe about your life is more important than what anyone else believes. Job said, 'What I feared has come upon me.' Be careful what you anticipate; negative expectations become self-fulfilling prophecies. God has promised to help you, but you get the deciding vote. By focusing on the negative you're agreeing to let satan defeat you. Jesus said, '... "According to your faith will it be done for you"' (Matthew 9:29 NIV}. So get into agreement with God's Word and focus on His promises instead of your problems. When you do, your faith will take you to new levels of victory. But it's up to you to take the first step!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Upcoming Meeting
Hello Ladies,
Just a friendly reminder we are in the Ministry Training room across from Noah’s Park for this Thursday’s meeting. Rebekah will be talking about Intimacy, exactly what it is in a marriage and how to get more of it. Sounds like a great topic. Can’t wait to hear the message.
Also, please remember that Thursday is also our Culver’s fundraiser. Plan on meeting up with other moms at Culver’s on 75th street for some fellowship, lunch and good ice cream following the meeting!! The fundraiser goes the entire day so if you can’t make it for lunch, maybe a quick ice cream after school for the kids or dinner out….no cooking!!!
Toni is also in need for some meals this week. She has a doctor appointment tonight and is afraid they may put her in the hospital for a short stay due to an infection. Please be praying for her and her girls and husband. If you can make a meal this week or next it would be greatly appreciated. Also, I know the cards in the mail and the prayers have made a great impact on her ability to hang in there. Please continue to cover her in prayer and support her as the Lord lays on your heart. Let me know if you can do a meal.
Remember, God has a great plan for your life!!!!! And although He has the plan, It is our responsibility to be taking care of ourselves, to be in prayer and to be in His Word so that that plan and path is laid out clear for us to see and walk in. I am so thankful for the sisters in Christ I have to encourage me and support me along the way. I am sure you agree and so as you read this, please say a prayer for your secret sister and stand in the gap for her and her family.
See you all on Thursday!
In Him,
Rose
Just a friendly reminder we are in the Ministry Training room across from Noah’s Park for this Thursday’s meeting. Rebekah will be talking about Intimacy, exactly what it is in a marriage and how to get more of it. Sounds like a great topic. Can’t wait to hear the message.
Also, please remember that Thursday is also our Culver’s fundraiser. Plan on meeting up with other moms at Culver’s on 75th street for some fellowship, lunch and good ice cream following the meeting!! The fundraiser goes the entire day so if you can’t make it for lunch, maybe a quick ice cream after school for the kids or dinner out….no cooking!!!
Toni is also in need for some meals this week. She has a doctor appointment tonight and is afraid they may put her in the hospital for a short stay due to an infection. Please be praying for her and her girls and husband. If you can make a meal this week or next it would be greatly appreciated. Also, I know the cards in the mail and the prayers have made a great impact on her ability to hang in there. Please continue to cover her in prayer and support her as the Lord lays on your heart. Let me know if you can do a meal.
Remember, God has a great plan for your life!!!!! And although He has the plan, It is our responsibility to be taking care of ourselves, to be in prayer and to be in His Word so that that plan and path is laid out clear for us to see and walk in. I am so thankful for the sisters in Christ I have to encourage me and support me along the way. I am sure you agree and so as you read this, please say a prayer for your secret sister and stand in the gap for her and her family.
See you all on Thursday!
In Him,
Rose
PRC Annual Walk for Life
Dear MOMS,
I know we just had a blizzard and walking outdoors is the FARTHEST thing from our minds right now! However this is just a heads up to "save the date" and think about getting involved with the Will County's Pregnancy Resource Center's big spring fund raiser. Our Annual Walk for Life will be on Saturday morning April 30th this year. A location is still pending for the walk but the date is set. I am hoping to see many of you come out for a fun filled morning with your families. There will be music, food, games, face painting, balloons and prize give aways for all who come out to support us.
This year you can once again register yourself and others online at www.hopeforafuture.com. When you get to the website you click onto the EVENTS page and then go to the Walk for Life site from there. If you wish to download and print a pledge form you can do so at this site. You can also specify the size WFL t-shirt you want for the event. Maybe some of you would consider doing a "MOMS team" of walkers. Or how about asking your friends, family members or neighbors to join you for this fun event. At the PRC we are limited as to how many people we can reach to get this important information out. With your help however we can reach a great number of individuals who believe in what this ministry stands for.
Ok well just wanted to give you the heads up on this event. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thanks and God bless!
Rosie Williams RN
Nurse Manager
Will County PRC
815-744-7755
prcnurse-rosie@comcast.net
I know we just had a blizzard and walking outdoors is the FARTHEST thing from our minds right now! However this is just a heads up to "save the date" and think about getting involved with the Will County's Pregnancy Resource Center's big spring fund raiser. Our Annual Walk for Life will be on Saturday morning April 30th this year. A location is still pending for the walk but the date is set. I am hoping to see many of you come out for a fun filled morning with your families. There will be music, food, games, face painting, balloons and prize give aways for all who come out to support us.
This year you can once again register yourself and others online at www.hopeforafuture.com. When you get to the website you click onto the EVENTS page and then go to the Walk for Life site from there. If you wish to download and print a pledge form you can do so at this site. You can also specify the size WFL t-shirt you want for the event. Maybe some of you would consider doing a "MOMS team" of walkers. Or how about asking your friends, family members or neighbors to join you for this fun event. At the PRC we are limited as to how many people we can reach to get this important information out. With your help however we can reach a great number of individuals who believe in what this ministry stands for.
Ok well just wanted to give you the heads up on this event. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thanks and God bless!
Rosie Williams RN
Nurse Manager
Will County PRC
815-744-7755
prcnurse-rosie@comcast.net
Friday, February 4, 2011
Joseph's Coats
To be used by God, you must wear the two coats Joseph wore - namely, those of favour and integrity.
First, the coat of favour. 'Now [Jacob] loved Joseph... and he made him a coat of many colours' (Genesis 37:3 KJV). Like Joseph's multicoloured coat, the favour of God will cause you to stand out in the crowd; it will open doors, protect and promote you. The Bible says, 'For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favour You will surround him as with a shield' (Psalm 5:12 NKJV). Second, the coat of integrity. This is the coat Joseph left in the hands of Potiphar's wife when he refused her advances and stayed true to his convictions. 'When Joseph went into the house to do his work... she caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me." But he left his garment in her hand, and fled... ' (Genesis 39:11-12 NKJV). Your temptation may be different from Joseph's. You may be tempted to gossip, cut corners on a job, lie to save face, or claim credit for something you didn't do; whatever it is, you'll be tested. And your character will be revealed. Passing the test of integrity is what qualifies you to be used by God. Dr Joseph Parker, the great English preacher and contemporary of Charles Spurgeon, said, 'An un-tempted minister will never do us any good, and an untried one will talk over our heads.' When your hour of testing comes, the thing that will hold you steady and get you through is knowing, standing on, and speaking God's Word. That's why the Psalmist wrote, 'Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You' (Psalm 119:11 NKJV).
First, the coat of favour. 'Now [Jacob] loved Joseph... and he made him a coat of many colours' (Genesis 37:3 KJV). Like Joseph's multicoloured coat, the favour of God will cause you to stand out in the crowd; it will open doors, protect and promote you. The Bible says, 'For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favour You will surround him as with a shield' (Psalm 5:12 NKJV). Second, the coat of integrity. This is the coat Joseph left in the hands of Potiphar's wife when he refused her advances and stayed true to his convictions. 'When Joseph went into the house to do his work... she caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me." But he left his garment in her hand, and fled... ' (Genesis 39:11-12 NKJV). Your temptation may be different from Joseph's. You may be tempted to gossip, cut corners on a job, lie to save face, or claim credit for something you didn't do; whatever it is, you'll be tested. And your character will be revealed. Passing the test of integrity is what qualifies you to be used by God. Dr Joseph Parker, the great English preacher and contemporary of Charles Spurgeon, said, 'An un-tempted minister will never do us any good, and an untried one will talk over our heads.' When your hour of testing comes, the thing that will hold you steady and get you through is knowing, standing on, and speaking God's Word. That's why the Psalmist wrote, 'Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You' (Psalm 119:11 NKJV).
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Today's Meeting
Hey Ladies,
I sure hope you enjoyed this morning as much as I did. I was so blessed by Rita’s song, Janelle’s talk on nutrition and just the fellowship in general. We missed all you ladies who were not able to make it.
I wanted to follow up just a bit on some items:
· Hearts at Home registration is due to Rebekah if you want to get the discounted group rate. You must have your classes picked and money to her by February 6th in order to qualify for the discount. There needs to be 10 people registering early in order to get the group rate. Registering after that date will be regular price.
· Anyone not able to go themselves, but wanting to contribute towards a scholarship for another mom to attend can do so. Just let me know or give your donation to Priscilla and we will pass the blessing on to those in need.
· Michelle will purchase tickets this Monday for the February MOMS Night out event: Jill Savage in Channahon on Friday, February 4th. If you are interested, please let us know ASAP
· Dinners for Toni will continue as she has 3 more weeks of Chemo. I told her we could bring 2 -3 meals each week. please let me know if you are interested in helping.
· Our February 10th meeting will be in the ministry training room across from Noah’s Park instead of our normal room 530.
I suppose that is all for now. please email me with any questions, suggestions or thoughts you may have. Continue to pray for your sisters in Christ… Life is fragile and we must handle it with Prayer!!
Love you all,
Rose
I sure hope you enjoyed this morning as much as I did. I was so blessed by Rita’s song, Janelle’s talk on nutrition and just the fellowship in general. We missed all you ladies who were not able to make it.
I wanted to follow up just a bit on some items:
· Hearts at Home registration is due to Rebekah if you want to get the discounted group rate. You must have your classes picked and money to her by February 6th in order to qualify for the discount. There needs to be 10 people registering early in order to get the group rate. Registering after that date will be regular price.
· Anyone not able to go themselves, but wanting to contribute towards a scholarship for another mom to attend can do so. Just let me know or give your donation to Priscilla and we will pass the blessing on to those in need.
· Michelle will purchase tickets this Monday for the February MOMS Night out event: Jill Savage in Channahon on Friday, February 4th. If you are interested, please let us know ASAP
· Dinners for Toni will continue as she has 3 more weeks of Chemo. I told her we could bring 2 -3 meals each week. please let me know if you are interested in helping.
· Our February 10th meeting will be in the ministry training room across from Noah’s Park instead of our normal room 530.
I suppose that is all for now. please email me with any questions, suggestions or thoughts you may have. Continue to pray for your sisters in Christ… Life is fragile and we must handle it with Prayer!!
Love you all,
Rose
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Effective Prayer Avails Much!
In 2008, I was working through a Bible study by Jennifer Kennedy Dean called Live a Praying Life: Open Your Life to God's Power and Provision. From that study, God spoke to me about how when we are facing hard situations we must take aggressive action in prayer to stand against the enemy so we can gain the victory over our circumstances. If you are in the midst of a firestorm, or feel confused, brokenhearted, discouraged, or full of doubt I hope the following insights offer a new strategy for your situation or give you hope that your prayers do make a difference! I pray that these words will capture your heart and provide you with renewed hope for your life.
One thing I know for sure, God has not forgotten about you. His plan will prevail in your life. Nothing and no-one can stop that plan from coming forth. God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). His promises are true and we can rest in those promises no matter what our circumstances look like (2 Corinthians 1:20). And that is where I want to focus for a moment.
Our circumstances can be deceiving especially when time has passed and it seems as if nothing is changing concerning our prayer focus. We know that prayer works but we also know that God's timing is not our timing, which means that sometimes time feels like an eternity. This past week, I've talked with some friends about prayer, which brought me back to Dean's book. She had some powerful insights on spiritual warfare, prayer, and the armor of God, which penetrated my heart and has compelled me to share this devotion with you. Please read on (taken from Dean's book):
In response to our prayers, spiritual forces are set in motion that brings God's will to earth. Prayer has its first effect in the spiritual realm. When the work is finished in the spiritual realm, the answer is revealed in the material realm. Prayer is spiritual work. In the material realm, the definition of "work" is "to use energy to create change." Everything I do that uses energy to create change falls under the category of "work." In the spiritual realm, prayer is how energy is released to create change. Remember James 5:16? "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
Prayer changes the spiritual realm and the spiritual realm changes the material realm. Because prayer has its first effect in the spiritual realm, a reality that cannot be observed with the physical senses, there is a period of time when, from the earth, it appears that prayer isn't changing things. This is because the prayer is first doing spiritual work. Wait until the time is fulfilled, when everything is ripe. That's when the kingdom of heaven will be revealed to your senses. (Waiting is the hard part, I understand... but please keep reading).
Many people mistake prayer for a passive activity. Some think that prayer is what you do when there's nothing left to do but pray. My friend, get this deep in your spirit: prayer is the work. Prayer is the most aggressive, offensive, pro-active, invasive work you can ever engage in. We're not talking here about just 'saying prayers." This is living prayer. Let's examine a well-known, much-quoted passage of scripture and see what it has to say about prayer as an offensive strategy.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:10-18).
In summary, true prayer is God's words in my mouth. God's words do His work and He is sending His words out with an assignment. He is watching over His words to see that the assignment is carried out (Isaiah 55:10-11; Jeremiah 1:9 and 12). When God sends His words out through your mouth, the spiritual realm is immediately fully engaged. Spiritual forces are dispatched. All of heaven is poised to respond to the prayers of God's people. Through prayer, the enemy's schemes are thwarted. Through prayer, the powers, principalities, and authorities of Satan's realm are stopped cold. Through prayer, all of the power and provision of God flows into the lives of his people.
I believe there is super intense warfare going on in the spiritual realm on our behalf for our souls, for our children, spouses, for our mental well-being, provision, jobs, etc. We may not see change yet because prayer is still doing its work in the spiritual realm. I know life is full of blessings but it is also full of challenges, and in those times, we tend to pull-back, hide, stay silent rather than rise up and stand against the attacks of the enemy through aggressive (making an all-out effort to win or succeed) prayer.
Dear Friend, God has called you for such a time as this. There is no mistake that you are connected to your situation for good reason. Your steps were ordered before one was taken: before you were shaped and formed in your mother's womb, God knew you (Jeremiah 1:5). For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13).
I want to encourage you to keep praying, aggressively and on the offensive over your situation. If it is your marriage you are praying about, then during the week while your husband is gone, go through your home and lay hands on your husband's side of the bed, his pillow, his shoes, his clothes, his stuff outside that he uses often, everything that is connected to him and pray over his world in a tangible way. This is an example of an aggressive prayer action in my humble opinion. Also, pray for wisdom and direction, seek the Lord on your knees to get a fresh download from God every morning for the battle. We all need a fresh download from God to ensure we are hearing His voice above all others.
One last thought:
"Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good" (Romans 8:28).
God Bless.
written by,
Dori Price
One thing I know for sure, God has not forgotten about you. His plan will prevail in your life. Nothing and no-one can stop that plan from coming forth. God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). His promises are true and we can rest in those promises no matter what our circumstances look like (2 Corinthians 1:20). And that is where I want to focus for a moment.
Our circumstances can be deceiving especially when time has passed and it seems as if nothing is changing concerning our prayer focus. We know that prayer works but we also know that God's timing is not our timing, which means that sometimes time feels like an eternity. This past week, I've talked with some friends about prayer, which brought me back to Dean's book. She had some powerful insights on spiritual warfare, prayer, and the armor of God, which penetrated my heart and has compelled me to share this devotion with you. Please read on (taken from Dean's book):
In response to our prayers, spiritual forces are set in motion that brings God's will to earth. Prayer has its first effect in the spiritual realm. When the work is finished in the spiritual realm, the answer is revealed in the material realm. Prayer is spiritual work. In the material realm, the definition of "work" is "to use energy to create change." Everything I do that uses energy to create change falls under the category of "work." In the spiritual realm, prayer is how energy is released to create change. Remember James 5:16? "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
Prayer changes the spiritual realm and the spiritual realm changes the material realm. Because prayer has its first effect in the spiritual realm, a reality that cannot be observed with the physical senses, there is a period of time when, from the earth, it appears that prayer isn't changing things. This is because the prayer is first doing spiritual work. Wait until the time is fulfilled, when everything is ripe. That's when the kingdom of heaven will be revealed to your senses. (Waiting is the hard part, I understand... but please keep reading).
Many people mistake prayer for a passive activity. Some think that prayer is what you do when there's nothing left to do but pray. My friend, get this deep in your spirit: prayer is the work. Prayer is the most aggressive, offensive, pro-active, invasive work you can ever engage in. We're not talking here about just 'saying prayers." This is living prayer. Let's examine a well-known, much-quoted passage of scripture and see what it has to say about prayer as an offensive strategy.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:10-18).
In summary, true prayer is God's words in my mouth. God's words do His work and He is sending His words out with an assignment. He is watching over His words to see that the assignment is carried out (Isaiah 55:10-11; Jeremiah 1:9 and 12). When God sends His words out through your mouth, the spiritual realm is immediately fully engaged. Spiritual forces are dispatched. All of heaven is poised to respond to the prayers of God's people. Through prayer, the enemy's schemes are thwarted. Through prayer, the powers, principalities, and authorities of Satan's realm are stopped cold. Through prayer, all of the power and provision of God flows into the lives of his people.
I believe there is super intense warfare going on in the spiritual realm on our behalf for our souls, for our children, spouses, for our mental well-being, provision, jobs, etc. We may not see change yet because prayer is still doing its work in the spiritual realm. I know life is full of blessings but it is also full of challenges, and in those times, we tend to pull-back, hide, stay silent rather than rise up and stand against the attacks of the enemy through aggressive (making an all-out effort to win or succeed) prayer.
Dear Friend, God has called you for such a time as this. There is no mistake that you are connected to your situation for good reason. Your steps were ordered before one was taken: before you were shaped and formed in your mother's womb, God knew you (Jeremiah 1:5). For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13).
I want to encourage you to keep praying, aggressively and on the offensive over your situation. If it is your marriage you are praying about, then during the week while your husband is gone, go through your home and lay hands on your husband's side of the bed, his pillow, his shoes, his clothes, his stuff outside that he uses often, everything that is connected to him and pray over his world in a tangible way. This is an example of an aggressive prayer action in my humble opinion. Also, pray for wisdom and direction, seek the Lord on your knees to get a fresh download from God every morning for the battle. We all need a fresh download from God to ensure we are hearing His voice above all others.
One last thought:
"Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good" (Romans 8:28).
God Bless.
written by,
Dori Price
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Where You Are Matters!
God's plan for your life always involves your gifts, His timing, and being in the right place. But three things can keep that from happening: fear of failing, unwillingness to leave your comfort zone, and being swayed by the opinions of others. There came a point where, in order to enter the Promised Land, God said to Israel, 'You have been wandering around... long enough; turn..'(Deuteronomy 2:3 NIV) When you reach this point it's crucial that you say yes to God and be willing to step out in faith.
During a famine God said to the prophet Elijah: ' ''Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there." So he did what the Lord had told him... and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook' (1 Kings 17:3-6 NIV). God's plan for your life is always connected to a place. Jesus '... had to go through Samaria' (John 4:4 NIV). Why? To meet a woman who was destined to reach that city with the gospel. You can't just go where you like, God will honour you when you're where He wants you to be. God has promised to bless you, but sometimes He has to reposition you in order to receive His blessing. It was when Ruth moved to Bethlehem that she met Boaz and married him. It was when Bartimaeus went to where Jesus was that he received his sight. Where you are matters!
During a famine God said to the prophet Elijah: ' ''Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there." So he did what the Lord had told him... and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook' (1 Kings 17:3-6 NIV). God's plan for your life is always connected to a place. Jesus '... had to go through Samaria' (John 4:4 NIV). Why? To meet a woman who was destined to reach that city with the gospel. You can't just go where you like, God will honour you when you're where He wants you to be. God has promised to bless you, but sometimes He has to reposition you in order to receive His blessing. It was when Ruth moved to Bethlehem that she met Boaz and married him. It was when Bartimaeus went to where Jesus was that he received his sight. Where you are matters!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
There's Hope For You
No matter where you are at this moment, if you haven't found God's plan for your life - stop what you're doing and start looking for it! There's nothing in your past or your present that He can't use. Maybe you've veered off course - we all have at one time or another. Read the stories of those God used and you'll discover that 'blowing it' isn't unusual. It's actually part of the learning curve.
When we come into this world kicking and screaming, none of us know exactly what we're supposed to do with our lives. That's okay. Just start where you are right now. When God puts your life on track, He begins by giving you a sense of hope. Only God-given hope will sustain you through the tough times.
Maybe you're wondering, "Am I ever going to get to where I'm supposed to be?" If that's how you feel today, read these words spoken by God to a group of people who'd spent their last 70 years in Babylonian slavery as a result of having done things the wrong way: "I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on Me, when you come and pray to Me, I'll listen. When you come looking for Me, you'll find Me. Yes, when you get serious about finding Me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed... I'll turn things around for you" (Jeremiah 29:11-14 TM). And those words are from God's mouth to your ear!
HAVE A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!!!!!
When we come into this world kicking and screaming, none of us know exactly what we're supposed to do with our lives. That's okay. Just start where you are right now. When God puts your life on track, He begins by giving you a sense of hope. Only God-given hope will sustain you through the tough times.
Maybe you're wondering, "Am I ever going to get to where I'm supposed to be?" If that's how you feel today, read these words spoken by God to a group of people who'd spent their last 70 years in Babylonian slavery as a result of having done things the wrong way: "I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on Me, when you come and pray to Me, I'll listen. When you come looking for Me, you'll find Me. Yes, when you get serious about finding Me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed... I'll turn things around for you" (Jeremiah 29:11-14 TM). And those words are from God's mouth to your ear!
HAVE A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!!!!!
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