It had been a whirlwind!

Written by Pat Klein

I suddenly found myself needing to buy a newer vehicle asap, and dispose of our very old vehicle  (something my husband used to do). It was almost overwhelming.  Then inaccurate information from an insurance agent caused lots of confusion.  The result was distress and also a strong potential for misunderstanding with a Christian from another culture who wanted to buy our old car.

Caught in a maelstrom of thoughts and emotions, I couldn’t sleep.  Then the Lord graciously reminded me to TRUST – He’d worked things out for us many times before, and he would work again.  Knowing close friends were also praying, I slept.

By sundown the next day, everything had changed!  Incorrect information was clarified.  And the resulting problems just dissolved!!

God doesn’t always resolve issues that fast.  But I LOVE, LOVE! when He does, and I love sharing with others what God has done.  More, I’ve learned that it’s important to write these events down, so they aren’t forgotten.

All night long I prayed, … but my soul was not comforted … I am too distressed even to pray!   …  But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. … You are the God of great wonders! [1]

We will not hide these truths from our children: we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. … He commanded our ancestors to teach their children, … so each generation should set its hope anew on God. … Then they will not be like their ancestors — stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful … They forgot what he’d done — the great wonders he’d shown them.[2]

We must tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord!

And when we do, consider which will have more impact: “God has blessed me so much!”, or  “Let me tell you about a time …”

Telling what God has done in our lives is one important tool in mentoring others.  Women Together is currently offering an online course in Mentoring: Investing in People who will invest in Others.  Investing in mentoring others can be powerfully effective in building character, and helping others grow in their own calling from God.  See www.women-together.org/mentoring-course for more information.

Imagine with me Sarah telling her grandchildren about the time God rescued her from a terrible situation in the Negev that Abraham had put her into.[3]

Or Mary telling young Timothy or Julia about the time the angel appeared to her.[4]

Or Hagar telling Ishmael’s kids about when they were saved from certain death in the desert.[5]

Let me proclaim your power to this new generation.
Your mighty miracles to all who come after me. ^[6]

What up-to-date story do you have, that you can share with someone this week? There is joy waiting for you just ahead…!

[1] Psalm 77  NLT
[2] Psalm 78
[3] Genesis 20
[4] Luke 1:26 ff
[5] Genesis 16:7 ff
[6] Psalm 71:18 ff

Written by Bethany Lethbridge

Have you ever found yourself feeling discouraged as the sun sets? I used to loathe dusk (and it still is not my favourite time of day) because as the sunlight faded I felt, so too, were my hopes. The darkness outside reflected a darkness within. My anxious thoughts and fears, which I could distract myself from during the busyness of the day, would resurface in the still of the night.

Living without peace is the scariest reality because no matter what happens, even exciting things, there is still an underlying, tangible inner desperation niggling at you that you cannot shake. But we don’t have to live this way.

I am so thankful that we serve the God of peace. He is the giver of peace to those who follow after Him. I find such comfort in Philippians 4:6-7 which says, ‘do not be anxious about ANYTHING, but in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses ALL understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ Do you have that peace? That unmovable, unshakeable peace that no matter what may be happening around you or to you, you know, deep within your soul, that you are going to be okay because you are safely tucked within the Father’s hand?

Psalm 34:14 tells us,

Turn away from evil and do good; SEEK peace and PURSUE it.

This verse reminds me of another verse found in Proverbs 4:7 which says,

the beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.’

Though it cost all you have, get peace! Is there anything robbing you of God’s perfect peace? Ask the Lord. Ask Him to search your heart and reveal it to you. And then ask Him to help you surrender it to Him.

How do we seek peace and pursue it? Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8-9,

‘Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.’

Seek peace. Pursue it. Though it cost all you have, get peace and don’t let it go.

As it is written in Romans 8:6,

the mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.’

When our lives are deeply rooted in Christ Jesus, when He is our firm foundation, it is then we are able to live victoriously and abundantly, free from all that hinders and entangles. It is yours in Him.

Written by Debby Baril

Walking into the Pastor’s office I blurted out, “I believe God is calling me to go to Bible College and into the ministry!” With a great sigh of relief and grinning from ear to ear the Pastor and his wife exclaimed, “We’ve been waiting for this day!”

Although they had known for a long time, these pastors held their peace and trusted the Holy Spirit to speak to me, lead and grow me into maturity. I felt elated, encouraged, and affirmed.

Fast forward ahead to a time when I am filled with raw emotion and confusion over a situation and a colleague in ministry says to me, “I did what I thought was best for you.”

This well-intentioned leader, took me by the hand and suddenly I was transported back in time, a child too young to have a say. “Mommy knows best.” Months of unnecessary brokenness and pain followed; and not the kind meant to build and strengthen.

Two memories collide in my mind, one question pulsates through my spirit – what kind of leader am I going to be?

Will I be a Spirit-led leader that waits patiently for the work of the Spirit in a person’s life, creating a safe space for them to hear, to grow, and yes, even to make mistakes, so they can mature into adulthood?

Or will I be a well-intentioned leader that believes she knows best, unwittingly stunting the growth of the very one she desires to help, and possibly interfering with the purposes of God?

Jesus Himself – (Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV)

…¹¹ gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,¹² to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

As mentors, counselors, disciple-makers, pastors, leaders may we always remember to influence those in our sphere toward maturity in Christ, and periodically ask ourselves, “What kind of leader am I?”