Don't miss the blessing

Leadership Development, Leadership Wednesday, Seasonal teaching
Dec 292010

Kristin Hathaway

Kristin Hathaway

But although the world was made through him, the world didn’t recognize him when he came. ~John 1:10

Have you ever asked God for something only to miss the answer? One time my mom was in a gift shop in Mississippi, looking for a gift for a friend. She wanted something that was “uniquely Mississippi.” As she was looking, a man came in selling fresh pecans. My mom said, “No, thank you” and continued to try to find the perfect gift.

As soon as the man left, it occurred to my mom that the man with the pecans was the answer to her prayers. Anyone who has ever been to Mississippi knows that pecans are definitely a “Mississippi” thing. God had sent the answer and she had missed it!

That is exactly what happened when Jesus came to this earth. For years, mankind had been asking for a Messiah; we desperately needed a savior. God sent THE answer, but we had our own ideas of what a “uniquely God” gift would be like, and we almost missed Him.

Don’t miss out because you have your own ideas of what God is going to do. Salvation is the best gift that Christ gave, but there are so many blessings that he wants to give you while you are here on earth. Ask for them; pray specifically. Most importantly, EXPECT him to answer.

Submitted by Kristen Hathaway, PWOCI Central Region President

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The Free Gift of God is Eternal Life

regional review, Seasonal teaching
Dec 212010

Submitted by Diane Hall- Southeast Region President

Each person is in a position of leadership.  Some in a formal position within PWOC, others as parents and all believers are as witnesses for Christ.  How do you view those you have influence over?  God showed me His view of them through my Regional PWOC board.

In January of 2010 I was hosting the first board meeting for our region.  I am not creative.  Nevertheless, I needed to create a warm atmosphere in the meeting room to set the tone for the next two years.  Since I lacked direction, I headed out to one of our many craft stores for a bit of inspiration.

I aimlessly walked up and down each aisle, praying that God would supernaturally make something jump off the shelves.  Nothing jumped and nothing was in my cart as I came around to last two rows.  The feeling of uncertainty was overwhelming!

There on the bottom shelf of the last row were gift boxes.  A white box made of Paper Mache jumped at me.  I thought, “A HA!  The women on my board are a gift from God.”  I collected the box, a roll of black ribbon and assorted black metal letters to represent each board member.

God showed me that each board member was a gift from Him to me.  Although I didn’t know some the women, He had chosen each of them for His purposes and that I was to rejoice because, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)   During the meeting I explained the box and handed out each woman’s initial.  I left the lid partly open and placed a cross inside the box.  This represented that salvation in Christ is the greatest gift that we can offer to the women of our region.

God continues to bless me with the gift of the SE Region Board and our mission is to make the gift of Christ available to the women we serve!

Rom 6:23 …but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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The Diamond: Discovering God's Treasures for the Women of PWOC Part 4

President's Pen
Oct 062010

We all come from different backgrounds, cultures and denominations into the ministry of PWOC.  God knew that about us well in advance and because of that knowledge, I believe He has entrusted us with a special assignment.

PWOC’s uniqueness and diversity is one of this ministry’s greatest gifts from the Lord.  I have often said that PWOC is like a picture of a diamond.  We have salvation through Jesus Christ on the point of the diamond, and then our many facets represent various denominations, ages, cultures, backgrounds, races, etc.

Whenever you rise above the diamond, you can see the beauty of its array of colors and brilliance, reflecting the radiant light of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  It is a beautiful picture of the bride that He is preparing for His future return.

Our 2007-2008 theme spoke to this very beautifully, “Prepare for the Bridegroom”, with its Scripture references in Matthew 25:1-13 and Ephesians 4:11-13.

In preparing for opportunities to encourage the ministry that year, I began to gain a deeper understanding our assignment as a ministry as I sifted through truths found within our theme Scriptures.  What stood out to me in particular was a gem found in the Ephesians 4:11-13 Scripture (vs. 13 NIV):

“…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 I researched this, my NIV Bible study note stated, “mature…fullness of Christ.  Not the maturity of doctrinal conviction just mentioned, nor a personal maturity that includes the ability to relate well to other people, but the maturity of the perfectly balanced character of Christ.”

In my understanding of this, I realized that I could help explain the character of Christ represented as the various denominational “facets” on the “diamond”.  For example, some denominations focus on salvation through Christ, some His power, some His sovereignty, some His purity, some His holiness, etc., all distinct facets of Christ’s character.  By embracing our beautiful “differences” and the special assignment He has entrusted us with, we have the potential of becoming His mature, full and radiant bride, reflecting the light of our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.

To be continued…

© 2010 Brenda Marlin

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The Presidential update is published on the first Wednesday of every month. Submit comments or suggestions to: President@pwoc.org

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Journey of Transformation, Part 17

Jesus Answers, Life Happens, Life Happens Jesus Answers, Real life stories, Testimonies
Apr 082010

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Spirit Message

When I discovered the bald spots on the back of my head I still had a red rash on my face, sensitivity to cold, numb fingers and toes, and swollen gums. Through the pregnancy and miscarriage none of these symptoms lifted. I merely took a detour that weakened my immune system further. The questions I posed to God about this trial wouldn’t be answered for years.

Not fully comprehending why all this was happening, I petitioned the Lord, “Father, I realize you’re allowing this trial for a reason because everything you bring into my life has purpose. I don’t know what’s in store, nor do I know how long it will last. Please let it last as long as necessary so I learn the lesson this time and don’t have to repeat it later.”

I didn’t pray that prayer expecting a response – at least not immediately. Yet I knew that in the process of walking this path the Lord would honor my request. I knew somehow I would persevere. I knew I would emerge a better person. But I was stunned to hear what the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart, “It’ll last about five years.”

Whoa. Did that really just happen? I couldn’t recall a time when I’d received such a strong, clear message from the Spirit. I stood staring at the wall in my bathroom hesitating to believe what I’d heard was real. It came so far from left field that it had to be God. I wasn’t on medication. I wasn’t making it up. The message clearly came from the Spirit.

At the time I didn’t know how great a gift this message was. How often does God clue people in to the duration of their suffering? I’ve never heard another person share anything like that. Maybe they’re afraid people would accuse them of creating a story. Why would someone make it up? What would be the point?

I never shared my blessed revelation with anyone, but that wasn’t a conscious decision, I just didn’t think about it. This precious jewel from God was intended to be kept between the two of us, hidden in the recesses of my soul. It was a gift He planted deep within designed to see me through the darkness ahead.

In the coming months my symptoms held steady but I was too weary to cook or keep house. My primary care doctor had no real answers and the rheumatologist remained clueless. In late summer 2001 Steve was informed he’d be going to Afghanistan.

Okay, now that was a place I definitely couldn’t hitch a ride to. Was it time for another road trip? Where would I end up this time?

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade–kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith–of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire–may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:3-7

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Life Happens – Jesus Answers is a weekly column addressing the challenges we face in life, coupled with the presence and grace of Jesus, our One True Source of hope and peace. The column’s author, Laura Firtko, can be reached by email here: LifeHappens@pwoc.org

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Journey of Transformation, Part 12

Life Happens Jesus Answers, Real life stories, Testimonies
Feb 252010

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Sovereign Comfort

Once the hospital admission process was complete, I was escorted to a private room for final surgery prep. My friend never left my side from the moment she arrived late that morning. While I changed into a lovely hospital gown her husband went to find out if Steve had received the Red Cross message.

Across the room I noticed a table covered with a variety of reading materials including a Bible. I went over to pick up the Bible and underneath was a stack of small booklets. I thumbed through them and one in particular caught my eye. The title was How Can I Deal with My Loss? — A very appropriate title indeed. However, something else jumped out at me from the lower half of the cover. A white Avery label about one inch wide and four inches long displayed the following:

Compliments of:

CH (CPT) Steven Firtko and the 7-101 AVN BN UMT (Unit Ministry Team)

My heart nearly stopped. All I could think was, “No way!” Apparently my husband had been in that same hospital room ministering to a woman who also had lost a baby. Holding that booklet in my hands was like having Steve’s spirit in the room.

This sweet little gift from God proved His sovereignty and omniscience. It was all part of His grand plan for me to be in that particular room. Knowing exactly what I would need, He prompted my husband to plant a booklet with his name on it in the right place at the right time. My God shows up. When He brings or allows something difficult, He also provides a soothing balm to ease the pain.

While my friend and I marveled at God’s handiwork her husband returned with news. Steve had finally received the Red Cross message, but only after it floated around Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, for a while before reaching him at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Overwhelmed by the blatant stupidity of this, I felt the anger phase of grief rising up.

My emotions were getting a little more unpredictable. Along with the emotional upheaval came hormonal upheaval. I had a good attitude one minute and anger the next. Clearly I was no longer operating on autopilot. Reality came out to bite me once again. But when my friend’s husband got Steve on the phone my fury had to wait. Our conversation went something like this:

S: How are you? Why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant? What a shock.

L: I wanted to tell you in person and I fully expected to have an opportunity. This was too significant to share over the phone.

S: You know how I found out? I was sitting in class and the class leader gave me a note that said Your wife is in the hospital due to complications of pregnancy. He told me to go see the Chaplain teacher. So I went to his office, he asked me to sit down, and he closed the door. Then he spoke, “I’m sorry I have bad news. Your wife had a miscarriage.” My mouth dropped open and I exclaimed, “What? I didn’t even know she was pregnant.” Then he excused me from class to get a plane ticket. I’m in Nashville now waiting for my ride. I’ll get there as soon as I can. Love you.

L: I’m going into surgery soon. I’ll see you when it’s over. Love you too.

So he finally knew. What a horrendous shock . . . for both of us. After the surgery I would be glad I persuaded the doctor to make arrangements for me to stay overnight. And God would show up again.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES:

Dear women of PWOC, I pray and trust that the Lord is using this story to encourage and perhaps challenge you. This isn’t for me or just about me. It’s for Christ and all about how He wants to use it. Please stay connected for more. As always, you may access previous entries in Life Happens – Jesus Answers under “Categories.” Have a Christ-filled week.

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Life Happens – Jesus Answers is a weekly column addressing the challenges we face in life, coupled with the presence and grace of Jesus, our One True Source of hope and peace. The column’s author, Laura Firtko, can be reached by email here: LifeHappens@pwoc.org

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Arise For The Lord (Prince of Peace) Extends His Scepter

Seasonal teaching
Dec 232009

Submitted by: Saleta Johnson PWOCI Theme Logistics Coordinator

A Gift Money Can’t Buy

One of my favorite verses of scripture to reflect upon during the Christmas Season is Isaiah 9:6:  For unto us a Child is born, unto to us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Let me ask you a question. During this busy time of the year do you find yourself feeling stressed, anxious, or even downcast?  Does peace sometimes seem impossible to attain? If your answer is yes, I have good news for you.

As children of God, we have been given perfect peace because Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is Jehovah Shalom, “the Lord my peace”. This is a gift that many in the world are in search of and no amount of money in the world can buy.

Let me say it another way.  If you are a born-again believer, peace lives on the inside of you.  Jesus on the inside of you gives you strength.  Peace is also one of the fruit of the spirit listed in Galatians 5:22.  If you are not a born-again believer please go to our home page and read how to have peace with God.  Excepting Jesus is the first step to walking in peace.

You may ask, how do I experience or tap into this peace? The answer is to choose peace. The choice is ours to make.

Jesus promises us that if we trust Him and keep our mind stayed on Him, He will keep us in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).  We have to tell ourselves in the midst of opposing circumstances that “I’m taking my thoughts off the problem and will instead focus on God’s goodness and promises”.

In John 14:27 amp Jesus says: Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]

Wow, this is powerful.  Jesus is confirming that the choice is mine as to whether I’m troubled, agitated, fearful, or disturbed.

He tells us in John 16:33 that in Him we can have perfect peace and confidence.  “In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]!  For I have overcome the world.  [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you].

Let’s not allow the busyness of the season and the cares of this world, to choke out the seed of the word of God.  His word to us is Peace.

Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7

The Lord bless you, and keep you: The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14

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