by Linda Perkins There are two things we all have in common: 1) we all have or had a mother; and 2) we all have an opinion about Mother’s Day. The day is either loved or dreaded by many people, but especially women. There are many reasons for conflicting feelings. Did your thoughts immediately pull up an achingly beautiful memory of your sweet mama holding you in an embrace as she comforted you after a scraped knee or a wound to your heart? Perhaps you remember sitting beside her with heads bowed in prayer as her heart joined with yours over a choice you needed to make before a new adventure began in your life. Maybe your memories evoke the opposite feeling, as tears sting your eyes echoing hurtful, hateful words spoken to you and over you. You bristle at the pain or cower in shame, as those words spoken so long ago awaken that beast of failure and insignificance you still carry. Whatever your story or the circumstances of your arrival to life, you were formed by the Master Creator. He calls you the apple of His eye. You were never a mistake. He doesn’t make those. Sisters, we were fearfully and wonderfully created. So, for those born to mamas who struggled in life or those of us who have struggled ourselves, here is a poem for you:
2 Comments
by Terry Magness “God is touched by the feelings of our infirmities, our sorrows,” said the preacher on the radio. It stands to reason that because Jesus was fully God and fully man, He felt and experienced what we feel. Perhaps we see this demonstrated in scripture when Lazarus, most likely His closest personal friend, died, and we read these poignant words, “Jesus wept.” Why did Jesus cry? Surely, the death of His friend brought human sorrow, as the radio preacher pointed out—or did it? Is it possible that Jesus was expressing the heart of His beloved Father through His tears? To the natural mind, it didn’t make sense for Jesus to wait two days until He knew Lazarus was dead before coming to Bethany. Why the delay? Jesus loved Lazarus. Jesus knew the Father’s plan! Hadn’t his disciples heard Him say, “I speak of what I have seen with my Father?”¹ “He that sent me is with me…for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.”² “As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of Him who sent me.”³ “I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me.”⁴ I speak of what I have seen with my Father.”⁵ “All things have been handed over to me by my Father.”⁶ When the messenger found Jesus and gave Him the news that Lazarus was deathly ill, Jesus said, “This illness does not lead unto death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it,”⁷ but no one really understood. Jesus deliberately waited until Lazarus was dead and buried before going to him! By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus, whose body had been in the tomb four days, was in the process of decay. This was no surprise to Jesus, but rather, intentional timing, so why did He shed tears? Recall His disciple Phillip’s request to show them the Father. Jesus responded with intensity, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?”⁸ Jesus yearned for them to understand that in seeing Him they were experiencing the Father. “Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.”⁹ Looking back, we hear Jesus saying these words to His confused disciples, “Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe.”¹⁰ His words were incomprehensible to these men. Martha was upset that He hadn’t come in time to heal her brother. When Jesus assured her that her brother would rise from the dead, she replied, “ 'I know he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.' Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?' ”¹¹ We have no record of Martha’s reply. Martha and others believed there would come a day of resurrection of the dead. But Martha didn’t quite get it—and neither did her sister, Mary, the disciples, or the townsfolk. They knew the man. They knew of what He was capable--His miracles. They believed in Him as one sent from God to set up an earthly kingdom and deliver them from Roman oppression, and some believed that He was that expected Prophet or the Messiah. They loved and followed Him, yet they did not really know Him—His deity, Jesus, God incarnate! Yes, Jesus came to reveal God in a tangible, personal way. The people heard His words, they saw His authority and power in action, they experienced His love, and yet they neither saw, nor comprehended that God, The Resurrection and The Life, had come to live among them. Though unthinkable, even those closest to Him demonstrated what Jesus Himself called spiritual blindness and hardness of heart. And Jesus wept! All scripture References are from the ESV Bible. 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 to be ever thankful for God’s blessings. by Julie Davenport My two-year-old grandson loves to watch “The Lion King”. His favorite song is “Hakuna Matata,” ¹ and his favorite lyric he likes to boisterously blurt out is, “Oh, the Shame!” We all think it is cute and laugh every time he does it. However, having the weight of shame in your life is no laughing matter. I love the scripture in Psalm 34:5 NLT that says, “Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” Do you have some shadows of shame lurking in the corners of your heart? We can have shame for something we have done, but we also can have shame for things that have happened to us. There should be no reproach in widowhood or in an unwanted divorce, for example, but we still can feel shame from things we did not even choose. Sometimes we lump guilt and shame together, but guilt is different than shame. Guilt is the position of being accountable for our sins and shortcomings. It is more of a legal term. Jesus has already paid the price for our sins, and our guilt is taken away when we repent. Shame is the process of being defined by our sin and shortcomings or someone else’s sin that has impacted our lives. It is more of an identity of who we are and affects our emotional and mental state. Much of my ministry now is to women like me who have been through trauma, divorce, infidelity, loss, and abuse. There is a theme of shame in almost every story I hear. It is a common feeling we almost all share. How do you get rid of shame?
The Lord wants you to have an abundant life and to enjoy the moments of joy He brings into your path every day. I am praying for you that no shadow of shame darkens your face! “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10 NIV ¹ "Hakuna Matata." Music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice. From the soundtrack of The Lion King, 1994. ² Ann Voskamp, “Shame dies when stories are told in safe places,” Pinterest, https://rb.gy/tmllpw. 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. Learn more of God's redemptive work and order her book Secrets in the Sanctuary on julieedavenport.com. by Terry Magness Have you noticed that each day seems to come with its own unique set of challenges? Maybe you, like me, find yourself feeling irritated, out of sorts, and downright angry more often than you’d like to admit. I would love to retrieve the hours I have spent through the years rehearsing stale conversations that went sideways, sour comments, sarcasm, wrongful deeds, and frontal verbal attacks that seemed so unfair. I have muffled what I would really like to have yelled at the inconsiderate and/or downright incompetent driver causing me a near miss on the freeway. Instead, I drive on with fury, fear, and frustration in my soul. Then there are the long-term, unresolved relationship issues that periodically surface, prodding old wounds. If we are honest, we all deal to some degree or another with unhealthy negative thoughts and feelings. I am sure I am not unique in my experience of being poked, offended, or hurt. Angry feelings come, attended by ugly thoughts, growing bitterness, and a desire to retaliate with quipped sarcasm, gaslighting, and a spewed explosion of past and current grievances. We may privately rehearse the wrong, detail by detail, or publicly share with listening ears in hopes of vindication. If other’s hurtful words are internalized, then negative self-talk may ensue, or we may stuff our feelings, which only compounds with the next offense. The natural outcome will be a move toward aggression or isolation. In either case we are enslaved. As Christian women, what can we do to keep bitterness and hurt out of our souls? In recent years I am more aware than ever that true peace, contentment, and yes, victory are not only available, but possible. God, in His Word, told us to lay down arguments, anger, and wrath, and instead, be filled with His Spirit and walk in His love. Will there be times we become angry, hurt, and vengeful? Yes, of course! We are flesh, and we live in a corrupt world. The question is, how do we conquer these feelings? How do we cleanse our soul—our mind, our will, and our emotions? Our enemy, the devil, is divisive and cunning. He rejoices in our soulish activities and ultimate captivity. Contrarywise, Jesus sets captives free! He tells us to keep short accounts: “Do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” Ephesians 4:26 NKJV. Jesus says we are responsible to take every rogue and unholy thought captive. “Practice” means to do it repeatedly until you get it right. We grow stronger in this discipline as we practice taking our thoughts captive in obedience to Christ’s teachings. First, recognize your thoughts or feelings that do not line up with what Jesus taught. To recognize departure from Truth, you must know what Jesus taught. So read the Word of God every day, chew on and digest Scripture, attend church regularly, listen to podcasts and radio sermons, (this could include a ladies Bible study group). In other words, make sure you keep the Lord’s words fresh in your heart so you can quickly and easily recognize when your soul is not lining up. Next, exercise your authority in Christ against evil. I urge you to be militant! Immediately grab whatever dark thought you notice by the throat—self-pity, hurt, anger... With fingers firmly clinched, march that destructive thought--that soldier of captivity--into the throne room of God. Confess that dark thought or ungodly feeling to the Lord, ask His forgiveness. Forgive those who have hurt or offended you. Ask for His healing and restoration, then lay that ugly thing on the altar as a sin sacrifice. Praise and thank the Lord for His grace, and return with your head held high, a victorious daughter of the Most High God--cleansed, forgiven, and free. You can say like the Apostle Paul, that no matter my situation, “I have learned to be content.” Philippians 4:11 NIV. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 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 to be ever thankful for God’s blessings. by Tamie Bixler Lung Does one ever truly understand the difference between being thankful and being grateful? These two words are similar though different in meaning. Henri Frederic Amiel, a famous German poet and philosopher, stated, “Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” The word “completion” stood out to me when I read this. It’s like the icing on the cake that finishes the beauty of the dessert. Gratitude completes the beauty of our thankfulness. As women in ministry, we often find ourselves trying to be grateful to those around us and set a good example. We may feel it’s important to go the extra mile on occasions by demonstrating our thankful heart. Basically, we can be thankful in our spirit, but when we put action with that thought, it becomes beautiful graciousness. Proverbs 11:16 NIV(1984) reminds us, “A kindhearted woman gains respect…” It’s important as a leader to take our thankful heart and turn it into a grateful act of love. When we demonstrate this through loving acts of kindness, it not only gains us respect from those we’re leading, but also brings glory to the God we serve. Proverbs 12:4 says, “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown.” If you’re married and in ministry, this woman’s character brings honor to her husband. Although it doesn’t specifically say this wife is thankful, I think this would be one of the characteristics making her noble. Sometimes ministry can be challenging. Women become more emotionally drained than their husbands because it’s their nature. We may find it difficult to embrace the thankful heart that God so longs for us to have. Depending on the circumstances, we may find ourselves feeling the opposite of thankful and becoming resentful. This happens when we set our eyes on circumstances rather than the one who can change the circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Sometimes it’s easy to give ourselves permission NOT to be thankful. We want that “get out of thankfulness” free card. As women, we are naturally more emotional than men. We carry deep feelings for so long and then, like an erupting volcano, we explode with emotions, tears, and words. However, this passage reminds us to give thanks in “all” circumstances. This requires a change of perspective. When we choose to be thankful for the person who might be making our ministry challenging, we grow spiritually. We change our perspective and see that situation or that person through God’s eyes. He then begins to give us unique and creative ways to turn that new attitude into an outward expression of loving gratitude. A few years ago, I was really struggling to show gratitude toward one of the leaders in our church. There was an unspoken wall between us, and I just couldn’t do anything to make this person come around. Avoiding her became my goal. I bought into a lie that the enemy planted and found myself pulling away and not even wanting to be in the same room with her. Week after week, I dreaded seeing this person. I finally heard the Holy Spirit say, “Be thankful for her and pray over her.” I found myself becoming more reclusive while at the church or performing my ministerial duties. After a few weeks, I heard the Holy Spirit say it again. “Be thankful for her and pray over her.” I knew I needed to be obedient, but I struggled because this person had hurt my feelings with her authority and had created a toxic environment to be around. I had covered for her multiple times and took on responsibilities that she was being paid to do. I willingly did these but was treated with disrespect and gossip. The enemy was working to destroy the ministry and we were both feeding into it. However, I chose to listen and began thinking of things to be thankful for concerning her position and accomplishments in ministry. The Holy Spirit began to reveal to me things going on in her life that not many knew. This woman needed prayers and gratitude, not discontentment or judgement. It wasn’t my place to judge her or stir up more problems for her. This person needed my prayers, my acknowledgement of her past sacrifices, and a thankful, gracious heart. By doing this, it brought potential peace rather than overwhelming chaos. I began to see her through God’s eyes and began to embrace her vision and goals for the ministry God had birthed through her. Over time, she stepped away and endured some difficult trials in her marriage and family. I continued to pray for her, but also understood that being thankful for the foundation she had laid out for this ministry was crucial. My gratitude would be shown by continuing with a strong team to fulfill that vision. It takes a thankful heart to work in the kingdom. We’re told multiple times to give thanks to the Lord for He is good. Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” We know that being thankful and grateful are key components to existing in the kingdom of God, and we know working in the ministries of the kingdom requires a thankful heart despite the challenges. Turning our thankful thoughts into acts of gratitude is very rewarding. As women, we can use our sensitive emotions God has given us to see and feel things around other people. We can take those thankful thoughts and turn them into acts of gratitude. This can be done with words of affirmation, cards, letters, gifts, or random acts of kindness. The important thing is to put action to thankful thoughts. This makes these two words take on a different meaning. As Amiel stated, “Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness.” As women in ministry, we can use our position of leadership to show others how these two similar, but different words, can be effectively demonstrated. Be aware of the enemy and his schemes to thwart relationships in your ministry. Turning your thoughts of thankfulness into acts of gratitude can be instrumental in making your leadership respected and well-received by others. Never underestimate the power of a thankful heart. Raised in Springfield, Tamie experienced much of what the Missouri Ozarks had to offer, including a few years at Evangel College, where she met her now husband Tim in a college Sunday School class. During their 38 years of marriage, they have raised and homeschooled 5 children, served in various ministry positions in Illinois & Missouri, and have owned several small businesses. They currently own a gourmet seasonings company called Crawdad's Classics, which they purchased from Tamie's father. Presently, they attend Oak Grove A/G. Tamie is an inspirational speaker, business owner and author. She wrote a 31 Day inspirational devotional called "This Life We Live" and is currently finishing a recovery book called "Knowing Your 'Why'," which she hopes to publish in 2024. Tamie can often be found entertaining her 9 grandchildren and looks forward to enjoying 3 new ones coming in 2024. by Rhonda Barnes I live in Missouri, where we typically have four distinct seasons each year. We are in one of those changes of seasons now where many activities are shifting, the weather is altering, and change is in the air. In our natural and spiritual lives, we will also experience seasons. How we navigate these times can determine our future success. I sit now looking out the window of a lake home I have loved for the past twelve years. It has been called my “happy place,” has served as a get-away from work and life challenges, and has been a wonderful place to spend time with family. While this place is full of great memories, it has been a season that is about to change. In just three days we will say goodbye to this place. I sat here this morning praying that the Lord would help me correctly process my emotions. I was reminded of the Sunday afternoon that followed taking my first-born son to college. I honestly thought I would choke to death that day before as I said those brave goodbyes in the dorm, while my son was giving me the eye that let me know I better not break down in front of is new friends. It was the next day as I lay across his bed in his old bedroom, knowing he would never live under my roof again, that I began to process the change of season. I didn’t want to live in sadness, so I let the tears flow, while I remembered all the amazing memories we had made together so far in his life. I had to let go and treasure those moments to release him into his next. Now as I look back 19 years later, I see the beauty in his next seasons. He has a successful clinical pharmacy career, a beautiful wife, and two amazing children. A reminder that life is full of seasons! Goodbyes and last times can be challenging for our human emotions, but that famous verse found in Ecclesiastes says, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven” (3:1 NLT). Instead, we should try to focus on the new beginnings, on the firsts, and on the exciting next God has planned for us. Sadly, many never experience God’s best for their lives because they are stuck in the past--both past failures and past victories. We can’t live our lives too focused on the rear-view mirror. When we use it appropriately, it provides us with some perception and caution, but our vision must be forward focused. If you find yourself in a busy or difficult season in your life right now, don’t necessarily wish it away. You will never have this moment again. Stop and ask yourself, “What does God want me to do with this season?” He uses our best and worst times for a purpose…if we will just allow Him to do so. I pray God will bless you during your current season and help you to experience His best plan for your life! This article is a reprint of this previous blogpost from Rhonda's website, SecretPlaceRevelation.com. Rhonda Barnes is an author, speaker, Christian blogger, and gifted teacher of God’s Word. Rhonda is ordained with the Assemblies of God, and currently serves as the Associate Pastor at Grace Community Church in Salem, Missouri. Rhonda’s first book, Road to Transformation, Journey to God’s Glory, was released in 2014. Since then, she launched the Christian teaching blog Secret Place Revelation, inspired by Psalm 91:1. In 2017, she released two additional books, Keys to the Kingdom, and It is Written. Rhonda is passionate about sharing the truths of God’s Word and enjoys writing, speaking in many settings, and teaching small groups. To contact Rhonda, please visit secretplacerevelation.com or email rbarnes@gccsalem.org. by Pam Morton Sweat trickled down my forehead as I opened what I deemed “The Absolute Last Box of the Day.” We recently moved into a new town, new community, new home, and I had the boxes to prove it. I was anxious to unpack our items so I could feel a sense of familiarity and settledness. I didn’t realize how much I wanted this until I looked around the garage and saw the chaos I had created with packing materials, empty boxes, and bubble wrap in the frenzy just to get it done. Now as I began unearthing the final items, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Carefully wrapped in layers of brown paper was a tiny Pillsbury Doughboy® holding a pumpkin. What? I laughed some more. Could these be...? Are they...? YES! As I continued to unroll the paper, Pillsbury Doughboy® figurines in varying poses began to emerge. PBDB holding a heart. PBDB waving a flag. Even PBDB sporting a green vest for St. Patrick’s Day. Twelve of these gems in all. "Carefully wrapped in layers of brown paper was a tiny Pillsbury Doughboy®..." I paused and wondered how long it had been since I had actually displayed these in our home. 2008! Wow! Fifteen years. 2008 was the year we packed up our Missouri lives and moved to the Middle East. All of the items I couldn’t part with had been carefully stored in my in-laws’ home until now. Our new AGWM assignment is with Missionary Kids (MKs), so we are State-based, which means…the PBDB Crew could once again see the light of day! Or would they? Off to my right, a pile of decos from our lives in Africa and Israel needed a place to go. How could I mesh Shabbat candlesticks, a Beja sword, and PBDB into a cohesive look that the Property Brothers would like? I stood in the center of it all and sighed. This was a summation of my life displayed in decos. Yes, I still like the Pillsbury Doughboy® figurines. Why? I don’t know if I’ll ever have an answer to that question. But I also like the candlesticks and the sword. They all represent places I’ve lived and the dear people with whom I’ve shared life. They represent the person I’ve become since Pam Version 2008 first packed her house. I’m not sure where these will all end up in our home, but they each will have a place. Upon visits, our neighbors may find it weird or eccentric, but I’m okay with that. We’ll call them conversation starters and see where it goes. The Lord has helped us through many (and I mean many!) moves. Some were voluntary and some were not. We had seasons that were warm and inviting like the Shabbat candlesticks and some that were sharp and gutting like the Beja sword. Yet, I can’t mention one without the other, because I discovered different facets of the Lord’s care through the days and the nights of the soul. I’m grateful, and our home will reflect all of it. And the Pillsbury Doughboy®? Well…he gets a spot, because at the end of the day, who doesn’t want to dress up for a holiday and eat a warm biscuit? Pam, her husband, John, and two teenaged daughters packed up their fulfilling, understood Midwestern lives and moved to Cairo, Egypt in 2008. Her dream of serving overseas became a shocking reality of daily cultural encounters that often left her wondering if she’d actually landed on Mars instead! From Cairo to Khartoum to Upper Egypt to Israel, Pam learned, lived, and thrived in a sandy, sweaty, hospitable land. Pam and John's new assignment provides support to MKs and their families through TCK International Academy and parent mentoring. Pam loves to connect with her church family to encourage, laugh and inspire. (www.johnandpammorton.com). Pam and John have two married daughters and are smitten with their three granddaughters. by Terry Magness It was a mature tree—a survivor—when the man bought his place nearly forty years ago. Somehow it had escaped the Dutch Elm disease that ravaged its way through the elm tree population in this country. He knew the tree was special. He carefully removed clothesline stakes and nails that had been hammered into its trunk, tended its wounds, then carefully shaped and fertilized his beloved Elm. In his care for the tree, he became quite attached to it. The birds and squirrels loved to play in its branches. It was beautiful and provided refreshing shade in the summer. The man built his home and landscaped, giving his tree a place of honor. Although surrounded on three sides by sidewalk and driveway, his elm continued to grow. Its mighty roots tunneled under these formidable barriers—lifting and breaking the slabs of concrete like crackers and slicing through the asphalt as if it were warm cheese. Its heightened boughs rested upon the roof of his house, bending the gutter and filling it with leaves. When the winds blew, limbs and branches fell, strewing his beautiful lawn and flower garden with debris. The man saw the carnage his special tree had wrecked and was sad. He was torn by two choices: cut the tree down and repair the damage or allow the tree to continue to grow and pursue its devastating course. As I thought about his situation, I received a personal revelation. I, just as the man’s prized tree, when left to my own devices can become a destructive force adversely affecting not only myself, but also those around me—even to generations. When left unchecked and unattended by God’s laws and boundaries, we run headlong into God’s laws of nature governing this planet, namely, the second law of thermodynamics which establishes the concept of entropy. In other words, with a lack of order or predictability, comes a gradual decline into disorder. Left to themselves, everything, including people, will begin to degenerate and eventually come to ruin. God the Father was faced with the same choices as the man with the unruly Elm tree. Israel, whom He has loved and treasured as His own since Abraham, became a wild tree—a prideful and rebellious people. Like many of us, they grew outside the parameters He had established for their wellbeing. They refused to listen to God’s wisdom and instructions. They chose instead their own path. God had to make the hard choice to cut them off from His protective care. His great desire was that the ensuing trials and heartaches they would suffer would prompt them to change direction. Just as when a prideful, rebellious son finds himself on a path of incalculable hardship and sorrow, true parental love will do whatever it takes to turn him around. Our Father’s foremost concern is reconciliation and restoration. Likewise, we cannot afford to be afraid, but must bravely take firm but loving action where sin is involved. Yes, it can be a tough choice to make, but genuine love calls for selflessness that realizes the issue is not whether someone will become angry with us--maybe quit the church, avoid us at work, or perhaps think we are a mean mom. It is really not about us! With our children, this is the consideration: what sort of an adult am I raising? How am I helping to cultivate character in those around me? Am I encouraging growth in a positive direction in others? Do we love enough to allow the people we care for to suffer the consequences of their choices, so they are given the opportunity of seeing their need for God? Do we love enough to set proper boundaries and parameters? Do we think in terms of what we will lose in the process, or do we consider instead what they can gain--what is truly best for those in our sphere of influence? Tough love may seem harsh initially; but if done with the same purpose and compassion of Christ, it can yield the delicious fruit of righteousness. Yes, the old stump will die, but you can celebrate and rejoice because hope lies ahead—Jesus is the resurrection and life: "At least there is hope for a tree. If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail. Its roots may grow old in the ground and its stump die in the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth shoots like a plant.” --Job 14:7-9 NIV God’s choice purpose for Israel was a change of heart in the people, so he could help them grow and could bless them: “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots; his young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon. People will dwell again in his shade.” --Hosea 14:4-7 NIV 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 Make hay while the sun shines. The early bird gets the worm. Any job worth doing is a job worth doing right. I’m a farm girl, and my family had more sayings like that than ants at a picnic. The truths of those sayings continue to replay in my mind and shape my behavior. We raised sheep and grew alfalfa, wheat, corn, oats, barley, and soybeans. I learned to work hard and to love the outdoors. Because farming is an outdoor enterprise, weather plays a huge role in it. But even if the weather kept us out of the field, we were busy in the waiting. We would be in the barns and shops, making repairs and preparations for when we could go out into the field. On our family farm, my dad grew alfalfa that made hay for the sheep. As he waited for the alfalfa to grow, he was preparing all of the equipment to be ready for the harvest. It reminds me of James 5:7: "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains." (NIV, emphasis added) See how the farmer waits. I know firsthand how farmers wait. They wait for the frost of winter to give way to the warmth of spring. They wait for the ground to be pliable enough to sow the seed. They wait for the seed to germinate, sprout, root, and grow, developing the crop to be harvested. In the waiting, they are not sitting around twiddling their thumbs. They are not biding the time for the corn to be waist-high by the 4th of July. To see how a farmer waits is to see how a farmer is always working. Even in the waiting, they are always tending what they are growing and preparing for the harvest. They know the crop is growing, even if it does not look like it. They know the tractors and equipment will need to be ready to go. Farmers are active in the waiting. In the field of ministry, we are often in the position of waiting and can take cues from this passage. Waiting like a farmer might be identifying an incredible young woman of God who needs time to develop and mature before she is ready for greater responsibility. Instead of waiting for her to mature and be ready, I can invite her to join me in what I am doing for Jesus. I do not have it all figured out, but over my years in ministry, God has taught me things that might be helpful to pass on to her; e.g., lessons I’ve learned the hard way, as well as books and podcasts that I find helpful for perspective and spiritual development. Waiting like a farmer might be waiting for a loved one to surrender to Jesus. Instead of being frustrated and exasperated in waiting for them to come to Jesus, I can implement a strategic prayer plan. I pray in faith, trusting that God is doing a work even if I cannot see it. Here is a simple daily rhythm I use in praying for those I am waiting to come to Jesus: Weekly Prayer For those I’m waiting to come to Jesus MONDAY: Mind Protection & Softness to God TUESDAY: Timing of God WEDNESDAY: Work Their job & the Work of God THURSDAY: Thirst for Jesus FRIDAY: Friends That the Lord will put Godly people in their lives SATURDAY/SUNDAY: Sometime Soon They will be in church worshiping God Let’s make the most of the time God gives us each day, even when we are in a waiting season. "So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up or quit." (Galatians 6:9 The Message) If my Dad had waited for the crops to be perfectly ripe before he fired up the tractor, he would not have been ready for the harvest. If he had waited to prepare the harvest equipment, he would have been late for the harvest and maybe missed it altogether. See how the farmer waits; he is actively preparing for the harvest. May the Lord help us work while we are in the waiting, led and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be ready for a great harvest! 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 28 years, they have served at Evangel Church in Kansas City: 6 years as youth pastors, 22 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, gardening, laughing and hanging out with friends, her husband and two young adult kids and kids-in-law are the delights of her life! by Kim Oyler As is typical in life, I have something to celebrate this season and something to mourn. We are new to farming and to cattle. This was our first experience with calving, and we were so excited. I was especially looking forward to the birth and new life on the farm. I wanted to experience it all! I was even willing to get my hands dirty in the process if need be. Actually, I was secretly hoping to get my hands dirty! I was all in! At the very least, I was hoping to be able to witness the birth, watch our first-time heifer cow become a mama, and watch our new calf’s wobbly first steps.
So began the questioning of ourselves: What if we had been there? Could we have saved it? What did we do wrong? And then the sad conclusion: we’re bad farmers! In addition to that conclusion came an onslaught of disappointment and regret. We were now back to square one. What we had worked so hard for was gone and now we had to start over. This last year felt like a waste. And now we must wait another year to see the fruits of our labor. It felt a lot like ministry. The hard work. The investment. The dedication. The anticipation. The hope of seeing all of that hard work pay off. When things don’t work out, we feel the disappointment, the regret. We ponder the "what ifs" and the "if onlys." We question our ability. We question our efforts. Was it worth it? Did we just waste our time? Will anything good come out of this season? The strength to keep investing, keep working, keep loving what we do is challenged. But the Call to Serve is still strong. The Call to Love still beats within our chest. The lack of success at the moment is met with the hope for a new day, a new season, and a chance to try again. My husband and I are non-traditional church planters. We started with a desire to pastor and the blessing of a small building but nothing else. No money. No staff. No mother church. It has been a slow and steady progression of “success” for ten years, but this past year, a setback. A dead calf if you will. Everything we were building and working towards seemed threatened as we experienced our first church split. A reason to mourn. A reason to question ourselves. Are we bad pastors? Could we have prevented this? What did we do wrong? The feeling that we are starting over is real and present. The reality of continuing to work hard is true. We continue to dedicate ourselves to the church and to the people but also knowing there will be a delay in seeing the fruit of our labor. ~~~~~~~~~~ Today on the farm, a live calf was born to another first-time mama in our pasture. A reason to rejoice! ~~~~~~~~~~ Much like ministry, there are painful things that exist alongside joyful things. We can mourn our losses. But we must choose to see the new birth that is happening alongside the loss. Currently, we are meeting new faces every week. New life is springing up. People are hungry and growing. There is new freedom bursting forth in our services. So, I will celebrate the new life in the face of mourning our losses. I will also choose to look ahead with hope and expectation for more new life in our church and on our farm! Kim and her husband, Brad, have been in ministry 30 years, the last 11 years as copastors of Courageous Life Church in Independence, Missouri. They have two adult sons, 3 grandchildren and 2 middle school aged sons that keep them busy. Kim enjoys farm life and being outdoors, as well as writing and teaching. She is stepping into a new season of courage and obedience as she continues to grow in her walk with the Lord. |
This is a safe place for ministry wives and women ministers to be renewed, resourced, and build relationships with others just like you.
Search Our Blog Archives by Keyword Below
Categories
All
Archives
March 2024
|