by Kim Boley"Teamwork makes the dream work!” ¹ My oldest daughter and I share this quote with each other anytime we’re working on something together. Cleaning up the house, picking out clothes for tomorrow, whatever. One of us will shout, “Teamwork!” and the other finishes by replying, “Makes the dream work!” and we usually high five. This not only gets us in a fun mood, but also helps her to see it’s good to include others in a goal. We can’t do life alone. This thought hit me the other day during our Tuesday night worship service (we’re college missionaries). As I watched my husband, James, preach that week, I was reminded how most of our students don’t know how hard each of our staff members and leadership team work to make that night possible.
However, there are many moving parts to create an environment that is smooth and welcoming to all who attend. It’s something we work at very hard, and each person has a role to play in creating this. ¹ John C. Maxwell, Teamwork Makes the Dream Work. |
 | Kim serves alongside her husband, James, as Chi Alpha missionaries at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). Theyhave two daughters, Abbi & Lizzie, and one fur baby, a black Labrador named Natasha. Kim attended Missouri State University in Springfield, MO, where |
she was introduced to Chi Alpha Campus Ministries her freshman year. After she graduated in 2006, she spent the next seven years at the University of Missouri in Columbia, serving as a missionary associate with Chi Alpha. In 2013, she and James felt led to pioneer a Chi Alpha where there wasn’t one. Through a series of God-moments, He brought them to Cape Girardeau, MO and the campus of SEMO. Since then, they have both become ordained ministers, learned even more about life and ministry, and fallen more in love with God and each other. Kim is a huge fan of coffee, dogs (especially labs), books, and her college kids. She loves doing Chi Alpha with her whole family by sharing life together.
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by Majetta Morris
by cstar55, from Getty Images Signature
God’s love is such a beautiful treasure. His love is above all others. Except through the Holy Spirit, man cannot love as God loves. His love is pure and unconditional, without expectation or exception.
God’s love is such a beautiful treasure. His love is above all others. Except through the Holy Spirit, man cannot love as God loves. His love is pure and unconditional, without expectation or exception.
God loved me before I was even conceived. He knew and developed me for each endeavor planned for my life—who I would be. He placed me in the family He knew would raise me to be the adult I needed to be for His plan for my life. He planned for each item in my life that I consider success. He planned each heartache I would face to develop the spirit to be who I am. He has placed His imprint on my life. He always knows what my decision in any situation will be before I make it. Although I do not always see it, He developed me into His image. When I look at myself, I frequently see only what is wrong. But He always sees what is right.
Without God’s love, what would I be? As a teen one evening as I babysat my nephew, I was greatly tempted to have a cigarette. I had never smoked, but my aunt was a chain smoker. The odor of cigarettes permeated the house. I suddenly felt the need of a cigarette. I immediately asked my Savior to remove the desire and give me the strength to refuse the temptation. In His awesome love, He did. I never had the temptation again. Had He not moved in my behalf, I may have become a chain-smoker and died of pancreatic cancer as my aunt did.
God’s love sent me the godly husband He intended for me. Although I was a young teenager and he was an adult when we first met, God brought us together again a few years later. Thousands of miles separated us. Our dating happened by snail-mail over a period of a couple of years. God placed a love and a call to the mission field on both our lives, then fulfilled that call.
I can love others because He first loved me. I can love others whom I may think unlovable as He loves through me. I do not always see others as He does.
My heavenly Father loved me so much that He sent His one and only Son to die for all the things that I do and have done wrong. In fact, His Son loves me so much that He willingly gave His own life for my sins.
Love is a beautiful treasure from the heavenly Father. Love is a beautiful treasure from His son, Jesus. Love is a beautiful treasure of guidance and love from the Holy Spirit. No other love can compare.
Without God’s love, what would I be? As a teen one evening as I babysat my nephew, I was greatly tempted to have a cigarette. I had never smoked, but my aunt was a chain smoker. The odor of cigarettes permeated the house. I suddenly felt the need of a cigarette. I immediately asked my Savior to remove the desire and give me the strength to refuse the temptation. In His awesome love, He did. I never had the temptation again. Had He not moved in my behalf, I may have become a chain-smoker and died of pancreatic cancer as my aunt did.
God’s love sent me the godly husband He intended for me. Although I was a young teenager and he was an adult when we first met, God brought us together again a few years later. Thousands of miles separated us. Our dating happened by snail-mail over a period of a couple of years. God placed a love and a call to the mission field on both our lives, then fulfilled that call.
I can love others because He first loved me. I can love others whom I may think unlovable as He loves through me. I do not always see others as He does.
My heavenly Father loved me so much that He sent His one and only Son to die for all the things that I do and have done wrong. In fact, His Son loves me so much that He willingly gave His own life for my sins.
Love is a beautiful treasure from the heavenly Father. Love is a beautiful treasure from His son, Jesus. Love is a beautiful treasure of guidance and love from the Holy Spirit. No other love can compare.
Majetta, a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God, began her first Sunday School teaching assignment when she was twelve. With husband, Wayne, and daughters, Scarlett and Keena, she ministered throughout the southwest U.S. in Kids Krusades for ten years before going to Okinawa, Japan to minister in schools, churches, and the local community for a total of sixteen years. After retiring in Springfield, MO in 2007, she began professionally editing as a freelancer at the request of a friend. Majetta loves reading, writing, crafting, teaching, and editing. Contact Majetta at bright.light.editing.coach@gmail.com for assistance publishing your writing projects.
by Terry Magness
It was a “leftovers” dinner night. I’d had a busy day and it was getting late. Thank God for microwaves, right? A little grilled meat and some creamed corn constitute a sure win with my husband.
So, I grabbed a glass food storage cup from the fridge containing excess creamed corn from a meal a couple of days earlier. Peeling off the plastic lid, I noticed the contents came nearly to the brim, but hastily stuck it into the microwave anyway and nuked it. Predictably, the creamed corn bubbled up, and like hot lava, flowed over the sides, leaving the container bottom submerged in a hot, gooey puddle.
Like most of you, I have learned from experience that the sooner I tend to a sticky mess like this, the easier it is to clean up. Left unattended, it has a way of cementing itself to everything it touches.
When our minds are filled to near capacity with sticky memories, they lend themselves to hurtful, possibly angry thinking. Fueled by careless words, thoughtless or selfish deeds, and set ablaze by rehearsal-fanned emotions, they can bubble and boil within the cauldron of our soul. Pressure-poised for eruption, they can overflow from the eyes in hot rivers of tears as well as from the mouth in a fiery explosion of molten words capable of igniting all in its destructive path. Left unattended, that torrent of toxin has the power to cement itself in the hearts of those we love.
At this point, we are left with a choice to either get busy, do the hard thing, and attempt to clean up our mess and make amends; or we, feeling self-righteous, can ignore what we have done and allow it to make it’s permeating mark.
So, I grabbed a glass food storage cup from the fridge containing excess creamed corn from a meal a couple of days earlier. Peeling off the plastic lid, I noticed the contents came nearly to the brim, but hastily stuck it into the microwave anyway and nuked it. Predictably, the creamed corn bubbled up, and like hot lava, flowed over the sides, leaving the container bottom submerged in a hot, gooey puddle.
Like most of you, I have learned from experience that the sooner I tend to a sticky mess like this, the easier it is to clean up. Left unattended, it has a way of cementing itself to everything it touches.
When our minds are filled to near capacity with sticky memories, they lend themselves to hurtful, possibly angry thinking. Fueled by careless words, thoughtless or selfish deeds, and set ablaze by rehearsal-fanned emotions, they can bubble and boil within the cauldron of our soul. Pressure-poised for eruption, they can overflow from the eyes in hot rivers of tears as well as from the mouth in a fiery explosion of molten words capable of igniting all in its destructive path. Left unattended, that torrent of toxin has the power to cement itself in the hearts of those we love.
At this point, we are left with a choice to either get busy, do the hard thing, and attempt to clean up our mess and make amends; or we, feeling self-righteous, can ignore what we have done and allow it to make it’s permeating mark.
by Yuri Manei, from Pexels The best option, however, and the most Biblical, might be to remove those toxic thoughts from our mind. Our thoughts may seem like wild stampeding stallions, impossible to stop or corral. God, however, has told us to “take every thought captive.”¹ Really? Yes, really. The Lord has given us responsibility for what we think.
You might argue, “I can’t just stop thinking a thought, can I?” What if I were to tell you to stop thinking about purple socks? My guess is that purple socks now are what is on your mind. Our mind cannot operate in a vacuum. In order to change our thinking, we must replace a thought with a thought.
Here is an idea. Why not begin collecting scriptures from your daily Bible reading, and write them on notecards—good words, praiseworthy stuff, thoughts that lift your heart and cause you to rejoice. Find scriptures that tell you how God sees you, who you are in Christ, who Jesus is, what God has said He will do, and what He has promised.
Then when those toxic thoughts pop on the scene, bring out your scripture cards and wield your Sword of the Spirit! Speak, out loud, the mighty, full-of-power Words of the living God. By doing so, you will win the battle against the enemy’s attempts to imprison your mind. You will have replaced his toxic words with God’s life-giving Truth. That, my sisters, is “taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”¹ “For as (she) thinks in (her) heart, so is (she).”²
¹ 2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB
² Proverbs 23:7 NKJV
Here is an idea. Why not begin collecting scriptures from your daily Bible reading, and write them on notecards—good words, praiseworthy stuff, thoughts that lift your heart and cause you to rejoice. Find scriptures that tell you how God sees you, who you are in Christ, who Jesus is, what God has said He will do, and what He has promised.
Then when those toxic thoughts pop on the scene, bring out your scripture cards and wield your Sword of the Spirit! Speak, out loud, the mighty, full-of-power Words of the living God. By doing so, you will win the battle against the enemy’s attempts to imprison your mind. You will have replaced his toxic words with God’s life-giving Truth. That, my sisters, is “taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”¹ “For as (she) thinks in (her) heart, so is (she).”²
¹ 2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB
² Proverbs 23:7 NKJV
Now an ordained AG minister, Terry Magness was once a broken, wounded, angry, and abuse-hardened woman, until God’s redeeming love confronted, delivered, healed, and transformed her life. In 1995, Terry founded Grace Harbour Ministries, a not-for-profit, Biblically-based teaching, prayer, and discipleship ministry to women. Through Biblical counseling, coaching, and mentoring, she helps soul-wounded women come to know God in a personal way, conquer sin, overcome life challenges, and live Spirit-empowered lives. Throughout her global ministry she has witnessed God’s captive-freeing power at work. Terry has authored two books--Ever Increasing Grace and Azadiah Reynolds: God's Jamaica Man—and three booklets in her Pocket Scriptures series. She enjoys people, writing, photography, art, nature, and relaxing on the water while fishing with her quick-witted husband, Don, who keeps her laughing. Their amazing children and three priceless granddaughters remind them daily to be ever thankful for God’s wondrous blessings.
by Majetta Morris
by svetikd from Getty Images Signature We experience a wide range of emotions during Christmas time. Although we are Christians, we can allow ourselves to become overwhelmed with the busyness of the season and fall into negative thought patterns.
Recently a news commentator commented on the mental health of many facing loneliness this season. Loneliness is more common than you may think. Each of us has probably faced it at some time. It can be crippling when we see others who seem to have many friendships and we desire someone to reach out to us. We think, “Wouldn’t it be nice to meet someone for coffee?” But then we undermine ourselves with the second thought, “That would just be one more thing to demand my time.”
Depression and discouragement can easily take over when I feel trapped and overwhelmed with all my perceived responsibilities: decorate the church; decorate my house; plan and execute the church board party; plan and execute the staff party; plan and execute the ladies’ Christmas party; ensure the Youth and Children’s Pastors have what is needed for the children’s program and parties; buy Christmas gifts for staff, board, church, and family. Then I learn that family is coming from out of town for Christmas at my house. My bad! Family always comes last, and my family comes last of all!! Not fair!!!
Anxiety, frustration, and exhaustion increase as I consider how I’m going to accomplish all that is on my plate. I would like help but feel it would take more time to train someone than to do a task myself. Could I let go and allow permission to do it another way? I need to examine my thoughts to see if this is a control issue on my part.
As perplexity grows, so does irritability and lack of joy. Every morning I arise and think, “This is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. . .yeah, right!” My peace has already gone out the window. I get hubby off to work, kids off to school (or to schoolwork, if I’m homeschooling), and I rush through morning devotions—if I even allow myself time to read from my current devotional book. But I skip the verse or two from the Word. I’ve forgotten to make “Jesus the Reason for the Season.”
I need to approach this from the other side and intentionally make “Jesus the Reason for the Season” in my life. Most ecumenical churches use the Advent as a guide for sermons each year for the four Sundays surrounding Christmas. Each Sunday emphasizes a characteristic of Christ--Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace--which can be mine when I give Jesus first place.
Depression and discouragement can easily take over when I feel trapped and overwhelmed with all my perceived responsibilities: decorate the church; decorate my house; plan and execute the church board party; plan and execute the staff party; plan and execute the ladies’ Christmas party; ensure the Youth and Children’s Pastors have what is needed for the children’s program and parties; buy Christmas gifts for staff, board, church, and family. Then I learn that family is coming from out of town for Christmas at my house. My bad! Family always comes last, and my family comes last of all!! Not fair!!!
Anxiety, frustration, and exhaustion increase as I consider how I’m going to accomplish all that is on my plate. I would like help but feel it would take more time to train someone than to do a task myself. Could I let go and allow permission to do it another way? I need to examine my thoughts to see if this is a control issue on my part.
As perplexity grows, so does irritability and lack of joy. Every morning I arise and think, “This is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. . .yeah, right!” My peace has already gone out the window. I get hubby off to work, kids off to school (or to schoolwork, if I’m homeschooling), and I rush through morning devotions—if I even allow myself time to read from my current devotional book. But I skip the verse or two from the Word. I’ve forgotten to make “Jesus the Reason for the Season.”
I need to approach this from the other side and intentionally make “Jesus the Reason for the Season” in my life. Most ecumenical churches use the Advent as a guide for sermons each year for the four Sundays surrounding Christmas. Each Sunday emphasizes a characteristic of Christ--Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace--which can be mine when I give Jesus first place.
“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
Because of God’s Love, we have Love, Hope, Joy, and Peace to give to others. I can love you because God first loved me. Without God, I would have nothing to share.
Without faith/hope in God, I cannot do anything of heavenly value, I cannot overcome, I cannot live victoriously. When I exercise my “Faith,” I give my “Amen” to God’s truth, to His reality, to His love, to His salvation. . .not just with my mouth, but with my heart, my mind, my emotions, my strength, and my life—my entire being.¹
The "Triunity" of God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—speaks to the Love that God has for us. It takes three to have love:
Love is one, and Love is three. God is One, and God is Three in One.²
God’s love abides with us, walks with us, and stays with us through everything. God’s love puts Himself in our place, giving us the desire to want the best for another. Then we can put ourselves in the place of others to feel as they feel, cry as they cry, have joy for their joys, and walk a mile in their shoes.³
Because of God’s Love, we have Love, Hope, Joy, and Peace to give to others. I can love you because God first loved me. Without God, I would have nothing to share.
Without faith/hope in God, I cannot do anything of heavenly value, I cannot overcome, I cannot live victoriously. When I exercise my “Faith,” I give my “Amen” to God’s truth, to His reality, to His love, to His salvation. . .not just with my mouth, but with my heart, my mind, my emotions, my strength, and my life—my entire being.¹
The "Triunity" of God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—speaks to the Love that God has for us. It takes three to have love:
- The Father is the Subject, the Lover, and the Source.
- The Son is the Object, the Beloved, and the Receiver.
- The Holy Spirit is the Verb, the Love itself, and Love.
Love is one, and Love is three. God is One, and God is Three in One.²
God’s love abides with us, walks with us, and stays with us through everything. God’s love puts Himself in our place, giving us the desire to want the best for another. Then we can put ourselves in the place of others to feel as they feel, cry as they cry, have joy for their joys, and walk a mile in their shoes.³
by Kameleon007 from Getty Images Signature One of my favorite hymns from childhood is Joy Unspeakable written by Barney Elliott Warren, inspired by 1 Peter 1:8 KJV. I cannot sing the song without a smile on my face! JOY! Although I don't always, I should always have “joy unspeakable” flowing from me as a redeemed child of God.
“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.” Romans 4:7,8.
A Buddhist parent of a student one day asked me, “Why are you always so happy?” My heart responded, “Why should it be so difficult?” “But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy.” Psalm 68:3
On a second trip to my home, a salesperson once said, “I love coming here. It is so peaceful.” Peace, from the Prince of Peace! How soothing and calming! “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27. We can stew, worry, and fret ourselves into a tizzy and ruin our own peace or can know according to Isaiah 26:3, “[God] will keep in perfect peace all who trust in [Him], all whose thoughts are fixed on [Him]!” We can have peace with God, peace with others, and peace with ourselves.
I pray you will live on the positive side of your Christmas emotions. When things start bogging you down, remind yourself that the God of Love is right beside you.
A Buddhist parent of a student one day asked me, “Why are you always so happy?” My heart responded, “Why should it be so difficult?” “But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy.” Psalm 68:3
On a second trip to my home, a salesperson once said, “I love coming here. It is so peaceful.” Peace, from the Prince of Peace! How soothing and calming! “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27. We can stew, worry, and fret ourselves into a tizzy and ruin our own peace or can know according to Isaiah 26:3, “[God] will keep in perfect peace all who trust in [Him], all whose thoughts are fixed on [Him]!” We can have peace with God, peace with others, and peace with ourselves.
I pray you will live on the positive side of your Christmas emotions. When things start bogging you down, remind yourself that the God of Love is right beside you.
Unless otherwise marked, all Scripture is New Living Translation (NLT).
¹Chan, Jonathan, The Book of Mysteries, Charisma Media/Charisma House Book Group. www.charismahouse.com, 2016/2018, Day 26.
²Chan, Jonathan, The Book of Mysteries, Charisma Media/Charisma House Book Group. www.charismahouse.com, 2016/2018, Day 32.
³Chan, Jonathan, The Book of Mysteries, Charisma Media/Charisma House Book Group. www.charismahouse.com, 2016/2018, Day 12.
¹Chan, Jonathan, The Book of Mysteries, Charisma Media/Charisma House Book Group. www.charismahouse.com, 2016/2018, Day 26.
²Chan, Jonathan, The Book of Mysteries, Charisma Media/Charisma House Book Group. www.charismahouse.com, 2016/2018, Day 32.
³Chan, Jonathan, The Book of Mysteries, Charisma Media/Charisma House Book Group. www.charismahouse.com, 2016/2018, Day 12.
Majetta, a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God, began her first Sunday School teaching assignment when she was twelve. With husband, Wayne, and daughters, Scarlett and Keena, she ministered throughout the southwest U.S. in Kids Krusades for ten years before going to Okinawa, Japan to minister in schools, churches, and the local community for a total of sixteen years. After retiring in Springfield, Missouri in 2007, she began professionally editing as a freelancer at the request of a friend. Majetta loves reading, writing, crafting, teaching, and editing. Contact Majetta at bright.light.editing.coach@gmail.com for assistance publishing your writing projects.
An Exposition on Isaiah 9:1-7
by Julie Davenport
by Julie Davenport
Some people just LOVE Christmas! I have friends that listen to Christmas music starting months before December or even all year long! Are you one of THOSE? I start the day after Thanksgiving and stop the day after Christmas. I do love Christmas, though, and the wonderful feeling you get during the most wonderful time of the year.
One of the most enjoyable things about Christmas is giving gifts to the kids and seeing their excitement. When they are really young, you can get by with less expensive gifts. I remember one year when my daughters were little, we gave them ten gifts each. They were so excited to count all ten! They didn’t care that one of the gifts was a toothbrush, another was a pair of socks, and the rest didn’t cost very much. The fun was in opening all those gifts.
After Christmas, even as adults, there is sometimes a little let down when it is all over. As believers, however, we have the gift of Jesus, the gift that keeps on giving. In Isaiah 9:1-7, we have a passage that lists ten gifts that are available to us all year long. These gifts are not inexpensive ones, they are priceless!
One of the most enjoyable things about Christmas is giving gifts to the kids and seeing their excitement. When they are really young, you can get by with less expensive gifts. I remember one year when my daughters were little, we gave them ten gifts each. They were so excited to count all ten! They didn’t care that one of the gifts was a toothbrush, another was a pair of socks, and the rest didn’t cost very much. The fun was in opening all those gifts.
After Christmas, even as adults, there is sometimes a little let down when it is all over. As believers, however, we have the gift of Jesus, the gift that keeps on giving. In Isaiah 9:1-7, we have a passage that lists ten gifts that are available to us all year long. These gifts are not inexpensive ones, they are priceless!
Those living in the days of Isaiah were seeking light and happiness in good things like the strength of their nation, gathering land and goods, moral and religious duties. They even sought happiness through evil things and sought out sorcerers and mediums, but they ended with only darkness and gloom. In Isaiah 8:22, we see their circumstances:
“Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land when they are famished, they will become enraged and looking upward, will curse their king and their God. Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness.”
Doesn’t sound very “Christmasy,” does it?
Just like all of us, they were seeking happiness and fulfillment in other people and other things and in their circumstances. This passage in Isaiah is for those of us who have learned that happiness is not found in us trying to bring our own light to our life. True light and satisfaction and joy can only be found in the Lord.
Here are ten gifts available to us all year long:
Just like all of us, they were seeking happiness and fulfillment in other people and other things and in their circumstances. This passage in Isaiah is for those of us who have learned that happiness is not found in us trying to bring our own light to our life. True light and satisfaction and joy can only be found in the Lord.
Here are ten gifts available to us all year long:
- Gloom Remover
“Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress.” Isaiah 9:1 NIV
"Nevertheless” can mean “in spite of.” God wants to remove the gloom and distress in our lives and replace it with His joy. - Darkness and Shadow Replacer
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2 NIV
Darkness symbolizes emptiness and pain. The Lord wants to replace our darkness with His light, symbolized by fulfillment, joy, and peace. - Joy Increaser
“You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy.” Isaiah 9:3 NIV
It is an ever-increasing and eternal joy. The verse goes on to say, “they rejoice before You.” If you are before the Lord, it is because you have been accepted into His presence. You are welcomed there and loved by Him. - Shoulder Bar Lifter
“You have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.” Isaiah 9:4 NIV
I personally need this one. It has been a heavy season for all of us. We often feel we are carrying the heaviness like a yoke on our shoulders. He wants to shatter it! - A Child Named Jesus
“For to us a child is born: to us a son is given.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV
The source of this light for our lives is surprising in that it is given to us in the form of a child--a baby Jesus. He is sent as a gift to us to rescue us out of our darkness. - Government Controller
“And the government will be on HIS shoulders.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV
We really need to be reminded of this gift in our present times. The seat of control is on His shoulders, not on any man.
Our final four gifts are four names of this child, Jesus. Names give the essence of a person. If we could truly get the impact of the meaning of these four names that are gifts to us, it would radically change our lives. - Wonderful Counselor
“And He will be called Wonderful Counselor.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV
I am an advocate and believer in counseling and in sharing with someone the things we may be going through. However, we also have as a gift the greatest Counselor of all. He has greater wisdom than Solomon or all the wisdom of anyone in this world. - Mighty God
He is our “Mighty God.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV
He is our Hero God. He saves us when we cannot save ourselves. He rescues us over and over again. - Everlasting Father
He is our “Everlasting Father.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV
These gifts are everlasting. They don’t wear out. He is our everlasting Father forever and ever. You are a child of God. - Prince of Peace
The best of all gifts, He is our “Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV
When we have anxiety or fear, we don’t have peace. When peace is absent in our relationships, there is quarreling and fighting and chaos. He walks into our darkness as our Prince of Peace.
As a bonus to these gifts, we see in Isaiah 9:7 that there will be no end to the increase of His government and peace, that He will reign forever, and that it is He (not us) who will accomplish these gifts in our lives.
I’m praying for each of you to enjoy these marvelous gifts and to have a wonderful Christmas season!
I’m praying for each of you to enjoy these marvelous gifts and to have a wonderful Christmas season!
If one word could depict a life, Julie Davenport’s would be “redemption.” As a child, Julie’s character was forged within a legacy of faith, godliness, and ministry, so when she married a charismatic young pastor on the fast-track to prominence, life was everything she’d dreamed it would be...on the outside. But inside, alone and hidden from view, Julie endured abuse, betrayal, and infidelities that spiraled to include miscarriage, cancer, divorce, mental illness, and eventually suicide. Julie is now an ordained AG minister who through speaking engagements and two daughters continues the legacy of ministry, God is using Julie’s life-story to validate His immeasurable grace and prove His power to redeem what Satan tried so hard to destroy.
by Terry Magness
Ever asked that age old question, “How in the world did I get here?
When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a secretary. When I put on that perfect black and white plaid dress with a red sash my aunt Jean bought me, I felt like an executive assistant. I imagined sitting behind an important looking desk, erect, shoulders back, legs crossed, and poised with pad and pencil in hand, ready to take notes for an appreciative boss who couldn’t get along without me. The thought of it warmed me inside. I felt valued. That was something I desperately needed in those days.
Sure enough, one of my first jobs when I entered the world of employment was as a secretary in a loan company branch office. Next, I worked as a typist in the secretarial typing pool of a large corporation, and finally, I served as a G2 clerk/typist for a Company Commander on a military base. I learned relatively quickly that being a secretary was not what inspired me.
When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a secretary. When I put on that perfect black and white plaid dress with a red sash my aunt Jean bought me, I felt like an executive assistant. I imagined sitting behind an important looking desk, erect, shoulders back, legs crossed, and poised with pad and pencil in hand, ready to take notes for an appreciative boss who couldn’t get along without me. The thought of it warmed me inside. I felt valued. That was something I desperately needed in those days.
Sure enough, one of my first jobs when I entered the world of employment was as a secretary in a loan company branch office. Next, I worked as a typist in the secretarial typing pool of a large corporation, and finally, I served as a G2 clerk/typist for a Company Commander on a military base. I learned relatively quickly that being a secretary was not what inspired me.
by Sabrina Cuadra from Getty Images ~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paths are
interesting,
aren’t they—even amazing?
~~~~~~~~~~~~
There is a distinct but narrow path in our front yard that begins in a field across the road. The path divides and circles in opposite directions around our house to the concrete patio at the back door. This path was made by a badly scarred but beautiful Golden Beagle. The first day he showed up at our door I could clearly count each rib in his badly malnourished body. Extraordinarily skittish, he jumped at the slightest movement and wouldn’t allow me within five feet of him, and least of all, to touch him. Hunger urged him to forge this path to our house. We comforted him with soft words, and we fed him.
Each day for two and a half years he faithfully followed the path--often many times over--and peered through the glass, hoping to catch our attention. One day, his friend, a small black, brown, and white Beagle, joined him. She too came hoping for food and was just as nervous and afraid as he had been.
In short order their sides filled out, and then one day their eyes shined, and their tails waved high flagging their contentment. Happy, healthy, and strong, they continued learning to trust, because now they were valued and loved. Their basic needs were being met. To this day the grass does not grow in their path to our house, because it is a well-worn path.
What about my path? At the age of thirty, I too was badly undernourished in my soul, was replete with old and new hurts, and found it hard to trust. My scars were not visible, but the wounds were deep, and my heart was dry as stone. I found myself trudging alone on a hopeless, destructive path until unwittingly, I stumbled upon another path that changed the course of my life forever.
Each day for two and a half years he faithfully followed the path--often many times over--and peered through the glass, hoping to catch our attention. One day, his friend, a small black, brown, and white Beagle, joined him. She too came hoping for food and was just as nervous and afraid as he had been.
In short order their sides filled out, and then one day their eyes shined, and their tails waved high flagging their contentment. Happy, healthy, and strong, they continued learning to trust, because now they were valued and loved. Their basic needs were being met. To this day the grass does not grow in their path to our house, because it is a well-worn path.
What about my path? At the age of thirty, I too was badly undernourished in my soul, was replete with old and new hurts, and found it hard to trust. My scars were not visible, but the wounds were deep, and my heart was dry as stone. I found myself trudging alone on a hopeless, destructive path until unwittingly, I stumbled upon another path that changed the course of my life forever.
by Pixelshot ~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Master of the House saw me peering through the glass, opened the door, spoke softly to me--and then He fed me with love.
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The Master of the House saw me peering through the glass, opened the door, spoke softly to me--and then He fed me with love.
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If you were to come to my home today, I would be hesitant to let you see the room I call my office. At any given time, you might find stacks of unanswered, unfiled, unattended papers, various begun-yet-unfinished projects, research, teaching and counseling materials, writing assignments, and books in various stages of completion, covering almost every surface in the room. It is now I who needs a secretary!
I love neat and complete, but my interest and energy these days is spent on the path that I know has brought me healing, restoration, and is God’s path for my life. Who but He could have imagined that one day I, an unlikely minister of the Lord, would take hurting women by the hand to walk this well-worn path with me, so they too may know His loving grace to live free and whole, and discover God’s path for their lives? “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.” Prov. 4:18 ESV
I love neat and complete, but my interest and energy these days is spent on the path that I know has brought me healing, restoration, and is God’s path for my life. Who but He could have imagined that one day I, an unlikely minister of the Lord, would take hurting women by the hand to walk this well-worn path with me, so they too may know His loving grace to live free and whole, and discover God’s path for their lives? “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.” Prov. 4:18 ESV
Now an ordained AG minister, Terry Magness was once a broken, wounded, angry, and abuse-hardened woman, until God’s redeeming love confronted, delivered, healed, and transformed her life. In 1995, Terry founded Grace Harbour Ministries, a not-for-profit, Biblically-based teaching, prayer, and discipleship ministry to women. Through Biblical counseling, coaching, and mentoring, she helps soul-wounded women come to know God in a personal way, conquer sin, overcome life challenges, and live Spirit-empowered lives. Throughout her global ministry she has witnessed God’s captive-freeing power at work. Terry has authored two books--Ever Increasing Grace and Azadiah Reynolds: God's Jamaica Man—and three booklets in her Pocket Scriptures series. She enjoys people, writing, photography, art, nature, and relaxing on the water while fishing with her quick-witted husband, Don, who keeps her laughing. Their amazing children and three priceless granddaughters remind them daily to be ever thankful for God’s wondrous blessings.
by Jill St. John
Indoors vs outdoors; movies vs museums; late nights vs sunrises–those are just some of the differences between my husband and myself. Those differences can cause disagreements and frustrations; however, they are ultimately good. They help expand our points of view and experiences. Those differences help in parenting our adulting kids as well as in ministry as we serve a very diverse community. After twenty-nine years of marriage and twenty-seven years as ministry partners, we still have not entirely mastered how to handle the challenges of our differences, and we are still learning and growing together.
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If you are married and in ministry, or if you serve alongside ministry couples, you know the unique challenges of that life combination. Some navigate it well; some struggle; all of us are working it out.
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If you are married and in ministry, or if you serve alongside ministry couples, you know the unique challenges of that life combination. Some navigate it well; some struggle; all of us are working it out.
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It is a challenge to continue to grow together with all the dynamics of ministry life. The Bible has divine perspective and inspiration from the start. It begins with Adam and Eve being joined together by God Himself (Genesis 2:23-24) and is reiterated by Jesus that a man and woman become one as they join their lives in marriage (Matthew 19:4-6). God is the Biggest Fan of us, our marriages, and our ministries!
Along with marriage and ministry, there is the idea of romance: “a spirit of adventure, excitement, or mystery.” ¹ How does romance enter into and remain in a marriage relationship, particularly for ministry couples? Marriage itself could be considered an adventure as two very different humans join their lives. Perhaps in ministry, unlike most other careers, there is ample opportunity for adventure, excitement, and mystery--for romance!
Not many vocations and livelihoods rely upon people donating their hard-earned money. That is an amazing adventure to me and a perpetual miracle of the Lord!
There is also excitement of all kinds. It looks like counseling someone who is choosing to get help for their addiction as they take breathtaking steps toward Jesus–Who is changing their life and the generations that will follow.
Mystery is the door of the church opening to a person giving a donation in the exact amount as an unexpected expense. Part of the beauty of being a ministry couple is sharing those stories with one another and praising God together for His good works.
"The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord" (Proverbs 18:22 NLT). For me to be a blessing requires daily personal time in God’s presence and Word and relying upon Jesus to fill me with Holy Spirit fruit and power for the demands of family and ministry. That time with the Lord is also for confession and repentance, pouring out to Him where and how I have blown it, and receiving His forgiveness and grace. Whether a married or single minister, or the spouse of a minister, you are a treasure.
As an alcoholic far from God at the age of twenty, I walked into an Assembly of God church and was greeted with Jesus’ love before I had any idea of His love for me. One of the people who profoundly impacted me with God’s love was my pastor’s wife, Donna. She accepted me and believed in God’s work in me. Whether you are the pastor or the pastor’s wife (or like me, you are both), this side of Heaven you may never know the impact of your ministry. Thank you on behalf of all you have loved and will love!
The New Testament highlights a ministry couple, Priscilla and Aquila, in Acts 18:2-3, 18-26, Romans 16:3-5, 1 Corinthians 16:19, and 2 Timothy 4:19. They were a team and did great work for Jesus, growing the Kingdom of God together. We know from these passages that they worked together professionally, as well as pastored a church that met in their home; they accompanied Paul in traveling ministry; and they actively discipled others. Priscilla is a great example of a woman committed to her husband and to their ministry life.
A great way to pray is that we will be committed to our husbands and that we will be committed to the life of ministry to which God has called us, whatever it may look like.
Some of the challenges of being in ministry are the demands on our time and emotional energy, along with being somewhat public figures. Jesus says in Matthew 11:30 that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. What is not light are the expectations and demands of others, nor our own self-imposed expectations. When we are struggling, may God tend to us, and may we be brave enough to share our burdens with others as Galatians 6:2 encourages.
For ministry couples, maybe this is where romance comes into play. We can suspend the pressure and enjoy some adventure, excitement, or mystery: walking in the dark with flashlights, swinging on a swing set, sitting close together on the sofa while watching something that makes us laugh–especially when there is way too much to do. Try setting a timer for fifteen seconds, then spend every one of those seconds gazing into one another’s eyes. It could remind you that God never breaks His gaze from us. It also may end in a lot of laughter! These kinds of moments will infuse our marriage relationships with connection and chemistry.
Along with marriage and ministry, there is the idea of romance: “a spirit of adventure, excitement, or mystery.” ¹ How does romance enter into and remain in a marriage relationship, particularly for ministry couples? Marriage itself could be considered an adventure as two very different humans join their lives. Perhaps in ministry, unlike most other careers, there is ample opportunity for adventure, excitement, and mystery--for romance!
Not many vocations and livelihoods rely upon people donating their hard-earned money. That is an amazing adventure to me and a perpetual miracle of the Lord!
There is also excitement of all kinds. It looks like counseling someone who is choosing to get help for their addiction as they take breathtaking steps toward Jesus–Who is changing their life and the generations that will follow.
Mystery is the door of the church opening to a person giving a donation in the exact amount as an unexpected expense. Part of the beauty of being a ministry couple is sharing those stories with one another and praising God together for His good works.
"The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord" (Proverbs 18:22 NLT). For me to be a blessing requires daily personal time in God’s presence and Word and relying upon Jesus to fill me with Holy Spirit fruit and power for the demands of family and ministry. That time with the Lord is also for confession and repentance, pouring out to Him where and how I have blown it, and receiving His forgiveness and grace. Whether a married or single minister, or the spouse of a minister, you are a treasure.
As an alcoholic far from God at the age of twenty, I walked into an Assembly of God church and was greeted with Jesus’ love before I had any idea of His love for me. One of the people who profoundly impacted me with God’s love was my pastor’s wife, Donna. She accepted me and believed in God’s work in me. Whether you are the pastor or the pastor’s wife (or like me, you are both), this side of Heaven you may never know the impact of your ministry. Thank you on behalf of all you have loved and will love!
The New Testament highlights a ministry couple, Priscilla and Aquila, in Acts 18:2-3, 18-26, Romans 16:3-5, 1 Corinthians 16:19, and 2 Timothy 4:19. They were a team and did great work for Jesus, growing the Kingdom of God together. We know from these passages that they worked together professionally, as well as pastored a church that met in their home; they accompanied Paul in traveling ministry; and they actively discipled others. Priscilla is a great example of a woman committed to her husband and to their ministry life.
A great way to pray is that we will be committed to our husbands and that we will be committed to the life of ministry to which God has called us, whatever it may look like.
Some of the challenges of being in ministry are the demands on our time and emotional energy, along with being somewhat public figures. Jesus says in Matthew 11:30 that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. What is not light are the expectations and demands of others, nor our own self-imposed expectations. When we are struggling, may God tend to us, and may we be brave enough to share our burdens with others as Galatians 6:2 encourages.
For ministry couples, maybe this is where romance comes into play. We can suspend the pressure and enjoy some adventure, excitement, or mystery: walking in the dark with flashlights, swinging on a swing set, sitting close together on the sofa while watching something that makes us laugh–especially when there is way too much to do. Try setting a timer for fifteen seconds, then spend every one of those seconds gazing into one another’s eyes. It could remind you that God never breaks His gaze from us. It also may end in a lot of laughter! These kinds of moments will infuse our marriage relationships with connection and chemistry.
Here is what I commit to and wonder if you will as well:
- Spend personal time with Jesus.
- Pray for and thank God for our spouse and our differences.
- Pray for the marriages of ministry couples.
- Tell stories with our spouse of God’s good work and praise Him.
- Express gratitude to our spouse.
- Remind one another that we are making an eternal difference.
- When struggling, share it with Jesus and someone with skin on.
- Carve out moments for romance.
- Remember that God is the Biggest Fan of us, our marriages, and our ministries!
Jill St. John, once a high school English teacher, is an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God. She serves as Co-Pastor alongside her husband, Jason. For the last 23 years, they have served at Evangel Church in Kansas City--6 years as youth pastors, and 17 years as lead pastors. Jill has a passion for Jesus and a zeal for teaching God’s Word, helping others walk in God’s love and purpose. As a 4-time cancer survivor, she knows the goodness of God through the highs and lows of life and ministry. Jill is an authentic, enthusiastic messenger of God’s joy and hope. Teaching, cooking, laughing, and hanging out with her husband and two children are the delights of her life!
by Amber Mills
(re-printed from a previous "Refresh" blog)
(re-printed from a previous "Refresh" blog)
 Photo by Anthony Intraversato on Unsplash | How is my attitude affecting those around me? This question has been rolling around in my mind the past few days. The thought process started earlier this week while watching my boys play basketball. We were in another state playing a travel team that we see only a few times a year, have a fierce rivalry with, but truly enjoy being around. They are one of those teams that you work all year to beat, but you wouldn’t mind going to Steak-n-Shake with after the game, even if you lose. |
This time was different. The atmosphere wasn’t friendly. Fans were edgy. There was yelling and booing. The opposing players were pushing the limits of what is acceptable. Now don’t get me wrong. My boys have played competitive sports for a very long time and I fully appreciate all that comes with it. Games are loud, intense, and very physical, but this went beyond. There were no post game conversations between players or parents.
The entire demeanor of this competition was different than the last. What had changed? Same team. Same players. Same parents. New coach. The leadership had changed. The new coach encouraged this behavior. He congratulated his players when our team was injured. He gave a thumbs up to the booing fan section. He also demeaned his own players when they didn’t perform to his expectations.
The previous coach had been a very intense, but godly man. He had demanded his players give 100% at all times but he valued character above all else. It trickled down throughout the entire program just as this new attitude has.
Do they not see the change? Do they even care how they are being perceived? How are the parents okay with the behavior of their boys and the attitude change on and off of the court? It is as if they are completely oblivious to the change.
The complete 180 of this team stirred something within me. It made me think! It made me examine! Have there been changes in me, my family, and my church to which I am oblivious? Has my leadership, in any way, cheered on or encouraged bad behavior? When others fall, do I give a thumb up to those under me? Does my leadership make those around me strive for greatness or does it glorify the destruction of others?
Our attitudes and actions are magnified in those over which we have influence. We cannot control how people behave, but we can control how we influence them. If a church is arrogant, cliquey, and more concerned with whom they have rather than whom they can reach, the leadership is usually of the same mindset. On the other hand, humble leadership usually leads the giving, inviting church to reach out and bless their community.
I did not choose to be a pastor’s wife. Nonetheless, it is the path laid before me, and I wouldn’t want to walk any other. I am in leadership; therefore, I must be mindful of my attitude, my words, my facial expressions (if you know me you will agree that the latter is the one, I struggle with the most!).
The entire demeanor of this competition was different than the last. What had changed? Same team. Same players. Same parents. New coach. The leadership had changed. The new coach encouraged this behavior. He congratulated his players when our team was injured. He gave a thumbs up to the booing fan section. He also demeaned his own players when they didn’t perform to his expectations.
The previous coach had been a very intense, but godly man. He had demanded his players give 100% at all times but he valued character above all else. It trickled down throughout the entire program just as this new attitude has.
Do they not see the change? Do they even care how they are being perceived? How are the parents okay with the behavior of their boys and the attitude change on and off of the court? It is as if they are completely oblivious to the change.
The complete 180 of this team stirred something within me. It made me think! It made me examine! Have there been changes in me, my family, and my church to which I am oblivious? Has my leadership, in any way, cheered on or encouraged bad behavior? When others fall, do I give a thumb up to those under me? Does my leadership make those around me strive for greatness or does it glorify the destruction of others?
Our attitudes and actions are magnified in those over which we have influence. We cannot control how people behave, but we can control how we influence them. If a church is arrogant, cliquey, and more concerned with whom they have rather than whom they can reach, the leadership is usually of the same mindset. On the other hand, humble leadership usually leads the giving, inviting church to reach out and bless their community.
I did not choose to be a pastor’s wife. Nonetheless, it is the path laid before me, and I wouldn’t want to walk any other. I am in leadership; therefore, I must be mindful of my attitude, my words, my facial expressions (if you know me you will agree that the latter is the one, I struggle with the most!).
Philippians 2:3-4 NLT says, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
A trickling faucet left alone can cause your water bill to skyrocket. A bad attitude trickling down from ministry leadership can destroy an entire church.
What am I allowing to trickle from my heart into my family and my church? As a children’s pastor, I want the kids under me to be accepting. As a women’s leader, I want my ladies to be inviting and loving. As the lead pastor’s wife, I want my church to be burdened for the lost and more concerned with our community around us than with our own agendas. But most importantly, as a mom and wife, I want my family to be examples of how to truly love each other.
What am I allowing to trickle from my heart into my family and my church? As a children’s pastor, I want the kids under me to be accepting. As a women’s leader, I want my ladies to be inviting and loving. As the lead pastor’s wife, I want my church to be burdened for the lost and more concerned with our community around us than with our own agendas. But most importantly, as a mom and wife, I want my family to be examples of how to truly love each other.
 | Amber serves alongside her wonderful husband, Greg, of 24 years as the lead pastors of Camdenton 1st Assembly. They have served in full-time ministry for almost 23 of those years. Amber and Greg have 4 boys ranging in age from Jr. High to recently married, which keeps things very interesting and busy, to say the least! |
She has served as a full-time children’s pastor wherever they have ministered for over 20 years. “Organized chaos” describes more than just her style of children’s ministry; it can also be used to describe life in general around the Mills' house.
Amber revels in the moments she can simply be the pastor’s wife and support Greg as he leads with excellence in their community. She also craves the other side of the spectrum, where she is blessed with opportunities to share precious words God lays on her own heart.
Amber enjoys creating beautiful events, indulging in chocolate desserts, sharing her heart with the women around her, and living this amazing adventure called life.
Amber revels in the moments she can simply be the pastor’s wife and support Greg as he leads with excellence in their community. She also craves the other side of the spectrum, where she is blessed with opportunities to share precious words God lays on her own heart.
Amber enjoys creating beautiful events, indulging in chocolate desserts, sharing her heart with the women around her, and living this amazing adventure called life.
by Rhonda Barnes
(Reprinted with permission from the blog Secret Place Revelation.)
(Reprinted with permission from the blog Secret Place Revelation.)
It is that time of the year in many parts of the country to change shoe styles. I have accumulated too many shoes, so in order to make room, I pack away my sandals and get out my boots. It is important to have a variety of types of shoes to be prepared for every season, but today’s inspiration is less about style and more about fit.
I have a great video of my daughter when she was about 18 months old trying to wear my heels. I heard the clicking sound on the floor and peeked around the corner to see her trying to walk in shoes that did not fit. It was video-worthy and something I enjoy watching, but trying to walk in shoes that don’t fit is simply exhausting.
She no longer needed those cute little white walking shoes I had purchased, but she was not yet ready for mommy’s heels. In fact, as I watched my daughter grow into the wonderful young woman she is today, she never fit in mommy’s heels. First, she inherited her shoe size from her dad instead of me, but more importantly, heels were just never her thing. I remember in her teen years how she tried to fit into the mold of wearing what friends wore, but she quickly went back to the style that was more comfortable.
I have a great video of my daughter when she was about 18 months old trying to wear my heels. I heard the clicking sound on the floor and peeked around the corner to see her trying to walk in shoes that did not fit. It was video-worthy and something I enjoy watching, but trying to walk in shoes that don’t fit is simply exhausting.
She no longer needed those cute little white walking shoes I had purchased, but she was not yet ready for mommy’s heels. In fact, as I watched my daughter grow into the wonderful young woman she is today, she never fit in mommy’s heels. First, she inherited her shoe size from her dad instead of me, but more importantly, heels were just never her thing. I remember in her teen years how she tried to fit into the mold of wearing what friends wore, but she quickly went back to the style that was more comfortable.
by PeopleImages, from Getty Images Signature
Have you noticed that every shoe store or department has a section housing accessories for shoes that really do not fit? There are pads for the back of a shoe to keep it from slipping off. There are pads for the bottom of the shoe to keep your foot from slipping forward. There are barriers for the sides to keep your shoe from rubbing blisters.
The interesting thing is none of these items is needed if the shoe fits!
If we go to a store to buy a suit, it often will not fit. There are individuals trained to alter it. This may work for suits, but not shoes!
If they are too small, they hurt, stifle, and hold you back. They are not satisfying at all to wear. If they are too large, they slip off when you try to walk. You cannot effectively walk, climb, or progress forward.
While foot size grows during stages of maturity, for most people there is a point where the foot size is maximized and will not change. That is why I have too many shoes! I have been wearing the same size for a very long time. Over the years, I have collected a variety of styles and colors for many different seasons and activities.
I love that I am not limited to one style. Seasons and conditions require us to have choices. These are options, but the size is not. The Creator determines the size! We read in 1 Corinthians 12 that there are a variety of gifts distributed by the Spirit to the members of the unified Body of Christ. Each is necessary for the Body to function properly.
THE CREATOR DETERMINES THE SIZE!
I have a passion to remind each person reading this how much your Creator loves you and how He wants to see you walk in the shoes He has selected for you. He chose them long before you were even here:
The interesting thing is none of these items is needed if the shoe fits!
If we go to a store to buy a suit, it often will not fit. There are individuals trained to alter it. This may work for suits, but not shoes!
If they are too small, they hurt, stifle, and hold you back. They are not satisfying at all to wear. If they are too large, they slip off when you try to walk. You cannot effectively walk, climb, or progress forward.
While foot size grows during stages of maturity, for most people there is a point where the foot size is maximized and will not change. That is why I have too many shoes! I have been wearing the same size for a very long time. Over the years, I have collected a variety of styles and colors for many different seasons and activities.
I love that I am not limited to one style. Seasons and conditions require us to have choices. These are options, but the size is not. The Creator determines the size! We read in 1 Corinthians 12 that there are a variety of gifts distributed by the Spirit to the members of the unified Body of Christ. Each is necessary for the Body to function properly.
THE CREATOR DETERMINES THE SIZE!
I have a passion to remind each person reading this how much your Creator loves you and how He wants to see you walk in the shoes He has selected for you. He chose them long before you were even here:
13 For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; 16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. 17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
Psalm 139:13-17 (NASB1995)
YOU WERE FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE!
Each one of us is unique and distinct--no two of us with the same thumbprint--but each is given precious thoughts and plans from our Father!
What we must contend for is our own unique size or individual identity in Christ. Each one is critical to the kingdom; if you are trying to wear someone else’s shoes, your identity is left abandoned on a shelf missing God-ordained opportunities.
For example, my sister-in-law and I are very much alike. At her first Christmas with our family, we showed up wearing the exact same sweater before we even knew each other. A couple years later, we actually came to vacation with the same swimsuit, cover-up, and shoes!
We are the same age, we have the same last name, and we even have the same shoe size. However, those who know us well will attest that if I tried to wear many of her shoes, it would not end well! Her style is often different from mine, and she wears heel sizes I cannot tolerate.
This paints such a vivid picture of the fact that even though we have many similarities, I can’t be her and she can’t be me. We can only complement one another, encourage each other, and fulfill our own unique callings.
This simple mistake has caused too many of God’s children to abandon the plans He has for them...trying to wear shoes that do not fit!
We often feel like square pegs trying to fit in round holes, trying to fit the mold, or to meet everyone’s expectations. Let’s change that today and become free to be who He has called us to be!
No apologies! Just be who He is asking you to be! No comparison, no intimidation, no jealousy or envy--just wearing the shoes that fit you in the right season and on the right occasion! Make a commitment today if you have not already done so to walk in the steps He has ordered for you.
DON’T ALLOW YOUR ONE-OF-A-KIND DESIGNER SHOES TO BE LEFT ON THE SHELF!
Each one of us is unique and distinct--no two of us with the same thumbprint--but each is given precious thoughts and plans from our Father!
What we must contend for is our own unique size or individual identity in Christ. Each one is critical to the kingdom; if you are trying to wear someone else’s shoes, your identity is left abandoned on a shelf missing God-ordained opportunities.
For example, my sister-in-law and I are very much alike. At her first Christmas with our family, we showed up wearing the exact same sweater before we even knew each other. A couple years later, we actually came to vacation with the same swimsuit, cover-up, and shoes!
We are the same age, we have the same last name, and we even have the same shoe size. However, those who know us well will attest that if I tried to wear many of her shoes, it would not end well! Her style is often different from mine, and she wears heel sizes I cannot tolerate.
This paints such a vivid picture of the fact that even though we have many similarities, I can’t be her and she can’t be me. We can only complement one another, encourage each other, and fulfill our own unique callings.
This simple mistake has caused too many of God’s children to abandon the plans He has for them...trying to wear shoes that do not fit!
We often feel like square pegs trying to fit in round holes, trying to fit the mold, or to meet everyone’s expectations. Let’s change that today and become free to be who He has called us to be!
No apologies! Just be who He is asking you to be! No comparison, no intimidation, no jealousy or envy--just wearing the shoes that fit you in the right season and on the right occasion! Make a commitment today if you have not already done so to walk in the steps He has ordered for you.
DON’T ALLOW YOUR ONE-OF-A-KIND DESIGNER SHOES TO BE LEFT ON THE SHELF!
Rhonda Barnes is an author, speaker, Christian blogger, and gifted teacher of God’s Word. Rhonda was credentialed as an AG minister in 2002, and currently serves as Associate Pastor at Grace Community Church in Salem, Missouri. She has written three books, Road to Transformation, Journey to God’s Glory, Keys to the Kingdom, and It is Written. Rhonda is passionate about sharing the truths of God's Word and launched the Christian teaching blog Secret Place Revelation, inspired by Psalm 91:1. She enjoys writing, speaking, and teaching small groups.
by Rebecca Barton
Summer ended with shocking abruptness this year, hounded by back-to-school busyness and a flurry of ministry activities. I found myself scrambling to ensure the Fall calendar wasn't double-booked—my thoughts drifting and spiraling about like leaves dancing ground-ward.
Ah, Autumn! Season that splashes our landscape with vibrant hues of orange and gold and purple! Your morning temperatures tempt me to brave the last of summer's mosquitoes, greeting the sunrise from my front porch swing with a steaming mug full of pumpkin-spiced beverage. I've always loved Fall—eagerly anticipated bringing in the harvest, shivering in bleachers under Friday night football lights, and shuffling through piles of rustling leaves. Have you ever found it curious that trees shed their layers right when we have to wear more of them?
by Winyuu from Getty Images Pro Have you ever found it curious that trees shed their layers right when we have to wear more of them?
Fall. Why do we call it that? I'm sure the nickname originated from falling leaves, but other things also fall during this season: ripening fruit, lowering temperatures, flagging spirits. Yes, for some, Autumn signals a decline into seasonal depression that accompanies diminishing daylight hours.
I've never been someone whose spirits were dampened this time of year. Instead, I almost always experienced the opposite—relishing in the colder, darker days by warming the kitchen with baking bread and simmering soup and curling up in front of the fire near my Honey to devour an excellent book.
I've never been that someone...but I am now. This past week marked the one-year anniversary of my dad's departure from this earth, and this year, my mood has darkened along with the days. I find myself reflecting upon my memories of the twilight of Dad's lifetime, when like a giant oak that stood tall for such a long season, he swayed and shuddered, shedding leaf upon leaf of a layered life, until all that remained were frail branches—stripped bare and stretched heavenward.
by Dantesattic from Getty Images Signature
Unlike the oaks that grace our church campus, re-adorning the skyscape with lush green vegetation each Spring, my Dad's earthly frame has ceased to weather the seasons. I stroll now beneath the trees and marvel that they have stood the test of time...and I wish they could testify of all they have witnessed. My dad did. Testify, that is. His last will and testament wasn't best described as notarized words on paper but rather as a compelling urgency to share God's sustaining grace. As his flesh weakened, Dad spent his remaining strong-willed energy testifying to each of us of the goodness of God during his lifetime of faithful service.
Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that everything has a season and a God-ordained purpose, that He makes all things beautiful in His time, and that He has put eternity in our hearts. At this time, I am in a season of experiencing loss, and it is only timely that I embrace that season as a natural process our timeless Alpha and Omega God uses to create beauty within me. As surely as I stand in faith accepting that He ordains journeys through death and mourning, I can stand in hope believing that He orders steps into life and rejoicing.
Note: If you find that your “season of sorrow” is so severe it prevents you from living at a functionally normal level, please reach out to others who can walk with you on a journey back to healthy acceptance of all of the seasons you experience. There is wisdom in Godly counsel. Please contact us confidentially at refresh@somoag.org if you need help locating a Christian counselor.
Raised in a minister’s home, Rebecca was called into ministry at an early age. An Evangel University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in English Education and a minor in Spanish, Rebecca has been a teacher, piano tutor, worship leader, office administrator, and bookkeeper. Rebecca currently serves with her husband, Scott, as lead pastors of Eldon First AG. They have been married 33 years--29 of those as pastors in Texas and Missouri. Besides being a pastor’s wife, Rebecca serves as the Publishing Team Leader for Refresh Ministry Women. Her interests include singing, playing keyboards, reading, genealogy, gardening, and crafting. However, her favorite activity is keeping up with her 3 adult kids, their spouses, and 3 active granddaughters.
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