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A Leader Who Shines....Connects with Holiness

Leadership Development, Leadership Wednesday

Feb 162011

“Inwardly cleansed, interiorly enlightened and inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit, may we be able to follow in the footsteps of your beloved Son.”

This prayer by a fellow saint, Saint Francis of Assisi, is quite arresting isn’t it?

If we consider St Francis’ prayer we see that there is a lot going on inside that enables us to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. In 1 Peter 1:15-16 Peter implores us in our calling and in the light of our redemption, ”just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Jesus likened trying to be holy from the outside to whitewashed tombs – appearing to be holy & righteous but with nothing inside but dead bones (Matthew 23:27).

The Holman Bible Dictionary defines holiness as “a work of the Holy Spirit on the basis of Christ’s atonement that calls for obedient submission from those who have been saved.” We are holy because of our calling in Christ, because of His atonement for our sins, and because the Holy Spirit continues to minister to our spirits – doing a work in us to make us holy and not just a beautifully whitewashed tomb.

Inwardly cleansed – That’s where our pursuit for holiness starts. As Christ followers “you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). While we are called to holiness, it isn’t something we have to or can do ourselves.

Interiorly enlightened – Paul prays this for the Ephesians – “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spiritof wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better… that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” There is illumination in knowing our Lord and the hope within us that sets us apart, leads us and empowers us to lead others to and in Christ.

Inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit – There is Stephen – full of the Holy Spirit, Paul – filled with the Holy Spirit, and Peter – while speaking, the Holy Spirit coming on all who were listening to his message (Acts 7,10 and 13). These are examples of the Holy Spirit’s “inflammation” of the power of God – examples of holiness in action. It was this same earnest desire and infilling that brought martyred missionary, Jim Elliot, to pray, “Saturate me with the oil of Thy Spirit, that I may be aflame. Make me Thy fuel O flame of God.”

No whitewashed tombs here.

Will you approach our Lord with such prayers desiring His holiness to ignite you to follow in His steps?

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Submitted by Cinky Jones. Make comments on this post here.

The Sweetest Story Ever Told

Devotions, Seasonal teaching

Dec 282010

The Sweetest Story Ever Told was the theme of the PWOC’s December program at Yokota, Japan. The speaker was a precious missionary who lives in Japan and she has a special gift of sharing the Gospel. She introduced the Bible characters God, Adam, Eve, Satan, Mary, Joseph, Jesus, Shepherds, and Angels in the form of a story. There is nothing sweeter than hearing the Gospel from the beginning of creation, the fall of man, and the purpose Jesus came; to save us from our personal sin. God came to earth to dwell among us and to be in relationship. He desired it in the Garden and He desires it now. My heart never tires or grows bored with hearing the message of how great God’s love is for mankind. His story, history, is the sweetest story ever told. I love God’s Word that reveals these Truths.

The first Christmas morn, Jesus, who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, was born to save us from our sins. He made it possible for our hearts to be the dwelling place of God through His birth, death and resurrection; to all who come to Him in faith. We too are born of the Holy Spirit, a spiritual birth, and made new. Jesus didn’t stay on earth to live with us. He had a greater plan. Jesus sent the comforter, Holy Spirit, to dwell in our hearts (the temple of God). Wow, God dwells in us! Let that sink into your heart and mind. It is powerful and sweet! He is with us always.

The missionary went on to encourage every Christian woman, a character in God’s story, to be a story teller and SHARE the sweetest story ever told until Jesus returns. We each have a personal story, or testimony, of what God has done in our life. I hope this Christmas, that the songs you sing, the scripture you hear and read, and the reason for the season will penetrate your heart in a fresh and meaningful way. May the Holy Spirit living in you, move you and give you boldness to share this sweet story, not only this Christmas season, but throughout the New Year!

Matthew 1:18-23
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Inner Stability

Devotions

Oct 252010

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm (Mark 4:39).

Do you sometimes feel like there’s a cyclone spinning within you? How often do you lose your peace? Inner turmoil rises when our priorities get unbalanced and the things that matter most get the least amount of time.

When I feel frustration building, and I catch myself taking shallow breaths, it’s time to Stop. Breathe. Pray. Listen. I stop what I’m doing; take a few slow, deep breaths from my abdomen; pray for God to calm my heart and settle my mind; and listen to what the Holy Spirit needs to tell me. He often uses scripture to remind me of God’s priorities when my foundation begins to crumble.

I’ve learned to employ this four-step process when I feel unhinged. Then, I do what the Spirit leads me to do, or I finish the task at hand. It doesn’t matter where I am, who I’m with, or what I’m doing. It’s between me and God. And it’s a valuable exercise for maintaining peace and stability.

If I find that my frustration is based on poor priority management and an unrealistic schedule, then it’s time to sit down and get a reality check. What am I doing that I don’t really need to be doing? Which task is an assignment from the Lord and which isn’t? What am I doing that I want to do but don’t need to do? What must be done now and what can wait until a later time? What needs to be a firm commitment and what can be flexible or optional? What matters most?

Once I’ve answered those questions, then I do an honest assessment of my energy level. What are my limits? Am I working with them or against them? Am I allowing enough recuperation from my physical workout? From my mental work and my emotional expenditures? If not, my body will reveal the need to make changes, to cut out commitments, and to make room in my days for recovery.

I need time to rest my body and mind. I need to make room in my schedule to honor the needs of my God-given temple. Whether I’m engaged in physical, mental, or emotional activity, I need to give myself time and space to rejuvenate. And I need time to sit with God long enough to hear from Him and know what’s on His heart.

Each of us needs to discover what works in acquiring and maintaining inner stability. Sometimes it takes years of trial and error to figure it out. But what we learn from our honest self assessments along the way will reveal what genuinely fits who we are and what we need — not what someone else needs.

So, as I discover what works for me, and I sit down to determine my priorities, I need to seek God’s wisdom for what’s best at this time, in this circumstance, and in this season of my life. As long as I take time each day to be still before Him with an open heart and mind, ingesting His Word like food for my soul, and implementing the priorities He sets without adding things, I will build a solid foundation on which I can establish inner stability for life. Will you join me in this endeavor?

You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them (Psalm 89:9).

“When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.”

regional review

Sep 232010

Submitted by Kelly Phillips, Pacific Region President

As the mother of two young children, I understand why mama grizzlies go on the attack. Recently it seems that my eight year old daughter has been the subject of verbal attack from some of the other neighborhood girls. She walks in the door crying because one girl or another said something mean.

When I see my child hurting, Mama Bear comes roaring to the surface, claws and all. My first thought is that I want to give that little child a piece of my mind. I’m tempted to fight fire with fire.

Fortunately at this point the Holy Spirit usually speaks to me and reminds me of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5.

“But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also…But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you…For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?”

Matthew 5:39, 44, 46

It can be difficult to convince an eight year old that she should turn the other cheek, especially when I am more than willing to go “turn the cheek” of the offending child. But we are different from most of the families in our neighborhood. We bear the name of Christ. Because of that, we MUST react differently. If I come roaring out of the house in defense of my child, then I am no different from any other person. And if I come out to defend my child, she doesn’t learn the lesson of how to appropriately deal with sinful people in a fallen world. Neither of us really wins.

We have a new routine when my daughter comes home in tears. The first thing we do is pray together. We pray for the child who has hurt her and then we pray that she would be able to forgive that child. Recently I was blessed to see her mend a friendship with another little girl in our neighborhood. It was so very difficult for me to keep Mama Grizzly in her cage when the offense occurred, but by the grace of God I did. This little girl now comes to church with us every Sunday. Her brothers have begun to tag along as well. I have hope that mom and dad may not be far behind. All because I didn’t try to fight fire with fire.

Fullness in Christ

Devotions

Sep 132010

Submitted by Judy Nay

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ. Colossians 2:9

As a wife and mother the opportunities to love sacrificially abound. In the midst of striving to meet the needs of those around me, I find myself tempted to find my fulfillment in things other than Christ; like rest, peace, more time, comfort, food etc. When I don’t get these things I’m yearning for, then love, joy, peace, patience, kindness is gone. It’s in these moments that the Holy Spirit reminds me that my fullness needs to rest only in Christ.

What is the fuel for this fullness we have in Christ? When we become a Christian Christ dwells within us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. As we daily partake of the blessings of what Christ has done for us through His birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension and promised return, this fullness grows because we understand more fully what Christ did for us to show us God’s perfect love. Because our sin has been forgiven and covered by Christ’s perfect record we have a new standing before the Lord. God’s anger for sin has been averted. God’s benevolent and kind gaze is now upon us. His good hand is upon us. We have access to unhindered fellowship with Him. He hears and answers our prayers. God’s unfailing love and tender mercy shine through when we realize that He allowed His only Son to take the opposite of all these blessings at the cross so that we can abide in them continually.

Are you looking to the Lord or to other things to make yourself happy and fulfilled? People, money, success, acceptance, etc will never be enough to satisfy what only God can satisfy. Jesus fills us in such a way that whether we obtain these things or not, we can be content because we have all we need in Him and nothing can ever take Him away. Going to Christ in our weakness is our strength to overcome those things that pale in comparison to His perfect love. Out of His fullness, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self control will flow, making the moments of our day extraordinary.

A Leader Who Shines…Connects with Attentiveness

Leadership Development

Aug 312010

Attentiveness to our connection with Christ is called self-leadership. The term is a bit of a misnomer. In Christ, it should be less of a “self” work and truly a cooperative work with the Holy Spirit, because the most challenging person to lead is usually our self.

Oswald Chambers wrote, “The measure of the worth of our public activity for God is the private communion we have with Him.” These are challenging words for us as leaders to consider.

If the hardest person to lead is our self, then the self-discipline of keeping our self connected to God is crucial. It is an important and intricate balance between allowing God to be God in and through us – and being so self-sufficient that we don’t allow God to reign sovereignly as our Lord.

Paul told Timothy, “Watch your life and doctrine closely” (1 Tim. 4:16). If “doctrine” makes up the formal curriculum – God’s Word, “life” can be both the hidden side and how we live. The Message states it like this, “Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching.”

Character is defined as who you are or what you do when no one is looking – out of the sight of public activity.

But always, the One is looking. As we attend to our private communion with God and His Word through the power of the Holy Spirit, we keep connected and this relationship shapes our character.

Paul goes on to say, “Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.”

As leaders we carry the mantle of responsibility and necessity to be attentive to our connection with Christ. Our character – our self-leadership depends on it. We have a leading role in leading others to Christ and in the shaping of souls. We can’t lead others where we are not.

Beholding the Beauty of the Lord

Devotions

May 312010

Since January the Lord has directed me to change the way I study the Bible each day. I learned that the goal of reading God’s word is to behold the beauty of the Lord. What I learned came from a study I participated in at PWOC a couple of years ago by Tim Keller; which is a series of studies on prayer.

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the deeper truths and as you listen to God’s word write down the answers to the following five questions. The first three ask questions of the text.

1. What does the passage say about God/Christ?
2. What does it say about yourself/mankind?
3. What is the most compelling truth you learned?

The last 2 questions are the reflection portion of God’s word where you allow the verses to ask questions of you. This helps what you learned drop down from your mind into your heart.

4. How would you be different if this truth were explosively alive in your inmost being?
5. Why is God showing you these things today?

The key to reading scripture and meditating properly on God’s word is to keep Christ central. When you read a verse such as “the Lord watches over the way of the righteous” it can be very discouraging because realistically who is righteous enough for God? Constantly pointing to Christ and saying “He did it!” brings the fire of God’s love to bear on every word. Jesus made it so our sins are credited to His account and His perfect righteousness lived for us is credited to ours. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

As time goes by, I have seen God’s beauty and I praise Him for the lessons I learned about Him during my prayer time. As you get used to studying the Bible this way, the amount of time it takes to do this process can be decreased by 5 or 10 minutes. Try it out on Psalm 1. You’ll be amazed at how the Holy Spirit can make even one verse explode truth and God’s beauty before you. Especially in light of what He’s done for you in Christ.

Journey of Transformation, Part 17

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

Apr 082010

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

Spiritual Remodeling

Devotions

Mar 152010

God began a painful transformational process in me over ten years ago. Recently He’s been targeting ingrained habits, priorities, and mindsets. Each day I must choose to let Him kill the old sin nature. I must choose to walk in a new direction. And I must choose between bondage and freedom.

The Lord’s most effective way to get my attention is to allow physical weariness. He knows me so well. Choices I make largely are based on how I feel physically. I cannot ignore how I feel nor can I push myself or rush His process. I learned long ago to request that He allow a trial to last as long as necessary so I could learn the lesson and prevent enduring it again in the future.

He has been faithful, but trials wear me out when they continue endlessly. It’s as if the Holy Spirit has embarked on a remodeling project. Maybe I should wear a shirt that says, “Under God’s Construction.” That would explain my grimace. I can feel the old nature dying as the Spirit chips away. This reminds me of the passage in Romans 8:36-37 – “As it is written:

‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

To truly be more than a conqueror through this miserable process, I must throw myself at Christ’s feet in submission and receive the good work He’s doing within me. Then I will reap the rewards of deeper spiritual maturity, increased faith, greater character, and fulfillment of His plans for my life. Each day brings the opportunity to do a new thing, reject bondage, and choose freedom.

What is God doing within you today that you want to resist? Let Him place you on His Potter’s wheel and mold you into the beautiful creation He designed you to be. The results will be worth it.

Journey of Transformation, Part 12

Life Happens Jesus Answers, Real life stories, Testimonies

Feb 252010

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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Older Entries

PWOC International Blog

A Leader Who Shines....Connects with Holiness

The Sweetest Story Ever Told

Inner Stability

“When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.”

Fullness in Christ

A Leader Who Shines…Connects with Attentiveness

Beholding the Beauty of the Lord

Journey of Transformation, Part 17

Spirit Message

Spiritual Remodeling

Journey of Transformation, Part 12

Sovereign Comfort

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