Thursday, June 25, 2009

Established by God!

Ladies, Good news.... you are established by God to do the job that is facing you, whether it is mothering, working, taking care of extended family, or all of the above, you have God's power to complete the task. We discussed how David'd roles of son, brother, anointed of God, shepherd, last born, etc, effected the expectations that others had of him. Sometimes these roles are limiting, Jesse, David's father, didn't expect Samuel to bless and anoint his ruddy last born son. He reluctantly presented the boy who was in the field with the family flock and lo and behold, he was the one! We discussed how our history with family, friends, and maybe even in our churches is sometimes limiting because they only hold us to the highest historical precedent. In other words, they tend to expect from us the same old thing we've always done, and nothing more. So what happens when we wake up to the realization that with God's anointing and establishment we can't and won't be or do the same old thing?
We also discussed how God's anointed ones are guaranteed opposition. Having God's blessings rest on us is like a bright red flag to Satan and you can bet that he will be after us. His goal is always to dethrone the Sovereign Lord whether by doubt, insecurity, mistrust, fear, or hate. He wants us to take our focus off of God and put it on ourselves and in an instant we are like Peter sinking in the sea. So how can we resist? Priscilla Shirer suggests that we have a God-conciousness or God-awareness. This is when we filter every thought, word, action, emotion through the lens of God.
So ladies, this week focus on God in all that you do, say and think. Remember that you are anointed for the task at hand and live in such a way that God's establishment is visible to all. Can't wait until next time. Have a great-God week!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed

Ladies,
Our first book study session will be on Thursday, June 25. If you are bringing children or are helping babysit, please try to arrive by 8:45 am. I would like to get kids settled in their play groups and content so we can begin our study promptly at 9:00.
For the first session you will need to bring your book, unless I am ordering one for you (in which case, I will have those for you here), something to write with, and your Bible.
This study is exactly that, a study. It will require time, effort, and commitment on your part but it is sure to provide you with the opportunity for spiritual growth, a time of intimate fellowship with God, and a sense of Christian community as you get to know the other group members.
I hope you are all as excited as I am about getting started. Begin praying now for God to remove the distractions, interuptions, and other things that might take your attention away from the study. Pray for the other ladies who will join us and pray for the children and childcare workers, too.
Can't wait to see you all on the 25th!

Friday, June 5, 2009

Ladies,
Thank you for making the first Awaken conference a success. Your support and encouragement meant a lot. We have heard many positive responses to the program and hope that you recieved a blessing from the event. We hope to post some pictures soon.
Our ladies summer book study is fast approaching so we would like to share some information about that. This year we will be studying "Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed", a study of David. The format of this study is a little different than what we are used to. You will not need to prepare for the first session, just bring your book, a pen or pencil, and be prepared for a blessing. As we begin the study Priscilla Shirer, well-known bible teacher and speaker, will lead us through David's childhood and his anointing. Beth Moore will help us understand the transformation that occured in David's life during his middle-age years. Finally, we will wrap up the study by looking at a redeemed David with the help of Kay Arthur. These wise, godly women have lots to teach us through the use God's Holy Word. Be prepared to meet new faces and to welcome old ones. Childcare and refreshments will be provided. If you would like more information, contact us!