Intimacy on the Run?

regional review, Testimonies
Nov 022010

Submitted by De’Etta Goecker

The greatest command is to love God wholeheartedly. Intimacy with God is my life’s priority, before serving His bride.  The Gospels inform us the second commandment  is “like the first,” – “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  This is where acts of service, leadership and volunteering in PWOCI enter into my relationship with Christ. Service and love of others flow from intimacy with Christ. This command is important, it is “like the first,” but it is clearly SECOND.

It is vital that I keep first things first. I am not primarily “Asia Region’s President.” I am foremost  a lover of God.  The “secret place,” the “garden tryst,” the “tent of meeting,” must be central in my life. I cannot create intimacy on the run.

Yes, I can worship while I drive or workout at the gym…but if the totality of my intimacy with God is “on the run,” intimacy will wither. My relationship with Jesus will lack depth.

I once found myself in a season where I consistently treated my garden tryst with Jesus as a visit to the gas station. I filled up when the gauge was on empty. Not because I loved being at the gas station, but so I could get to what I really loved – the adventure of a road trip. I found myself, coming to Him in prayer and worship, to be filled up so I could pursue my first love, the adventure of serving the bride.

Jesus asks, “Am I your first love or is ministry your first love?”

“Am I your lover or your ministry partner?”

“Forgive me. You are the lover of my soul. You are my heart. Forgive me for the times when I try to exist with intimacy on the run. May I always love You more than Your precious bride.”

I am changed. I set the table with the bread and wine of His presence; I slow down, pull away and make a conscious choice to commune with Him. I settle in for private worship, study and simple silence in His presence… Intimacy is love enjoyed….to BE with Jesus, hear His heart and long for Him. The response of the heart of God is lavishly explosive when I set my heart to love Him above all else.

He invites us to a place of intimacy in the midst of our serving. Will you join Him? My prayer is that each of us pursues HIM above all else. He calls us first and foremost to love Him.

Posted by Blog Manager at 2:00 am Tagged with: , , , , , , ,

When Someone Else Writes Your Song

Leadership Development, Testimonies
Oct 272010

I love music. I love to listen to music and sing music. I love praise and worship and anything that focuses my thoughts and heart motives on Christ. I have many favorites; they draw me closer to our Savior and Creator. They fill my heart with His love.

But with this song, it’s like someone else saw deep into my soul and wrote what I wanted to but didn’t. It’s by a group called downhere. I saw them in June of 2008 at Stone Mountain Park while attending AtlantaFest, and while struggling with something for a while (putting my name in for leadership selection for this board position), they sang a song that was like God saying, “Go For It.”

Have you ever had a life verse from Scripture or some kind of motto in your life that was more prominent than others? For most of my life, mine has been from the Old Testament prophet, Isaiah. I learned this verse when I was a young girl attending church and missions conferences, always in reference to giving our lives over to God and His work in the world.

The song includes some of these lyrics….

You reach for the deepest hope in me
And call out for the things of eternity.

That’s what God was doing. He had to dig deep into my relationship with Him to pull out something eternal. He was calling me into a God-sized assignment, something I couldn’t do in the flesh, but that was promising to bless many and reap something big. For Him.

Here I am, Lord send me
All of my life, I make an offering
Here I am, Lord send me
Somehow my story is part of Your plan
Here I am

This has been the chorus of my life….that whatever He has given me would be able to be returned as an offering unto Him. That He would call me, that I would answer. That He would continue to write His Name on my heart. That I would continue to acknowledge His work in my life and in my service.

These broken parts you redeem
Become the song that I can sing

He took a mess of a heart and still is recreating it in the image of His Son. He is just that loving and forgiving!  I love how He uses our natural talents, learned skills and spiritual gifts for His purposes. Are you seeing that this message is not just about me but also about you? Yes, you! YOU have so much to offer the Body of Christ, and I encourage you to listen to God’s song over you. What is He saying? How is He calling? Look for the confirmations of His calling in Scripture, in prayer, in conversations with trusted godly people, and just maybe, you’ll hear Him singing His song to you at an outdoor music festival. I did.

Thanks for the opportunity to serve you in the area of Communications for these two years. It’s been an incredibly sanctifying journey.

Somehow my story is part of His plan.

Love,

Melinda

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 ESV

____________

The Communications – 3VP update is published on the fourth Wednesday of the month. For questions or comments please email communications@pwoc.org

Posted by Melinda Hemphill at 2:00 am Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Feed the Sheep: Part I

regional review
Sep 162010

Submitted by Christine Young, Europe President

I’m big on sheep these days.   For several months now I’ve been telling sheep stories and now my kids are really tired of hearing my sheep stories and are anxious for me to find a new topic for discussion.  It’s become somewhat of a fascination of mine ever since the New Year started and I began asking God, “What is our mission here in Europe?”   He said very simply, “feed the sheep.”   There began my inquest into the world of sheep as it relates to the ministry of PWOC.     I was reminded of an excellent book that I had read years ago, “A Shepherd’s Look at Psalm 23” by Phillip Keller.   I had really enjoyed reading the book the first time and thought it wise to take a refresher course in sheep by rereading that book and diving into the Word.   It’s been great fun.

The mission statement for PWOC Europe is “feed the sheep.”  This is not a new mission or commission.   In fact in John 21:15-17 Jesus tells Simon Peter three times to feed the sheep.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”  Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

My thought is that if Jesus says “feed my sheep” and said it three times, we ought to take Him seriously.  I think this command, to feed the sheep, is particularly crucial and relevant as we kickoff bible studies and programming for the year.   What are you feeding your sheep in your chapter?  Is it good food for them?   Will it accomplish our first aim, to lead women to Christ?  What fields are the sheep in and when do you plan to move them to the new field to eat?  What will be in the new field to eat?  An interesting fact is that when sheep are born they gain approximately 100 pounds in the first 100 days.  Do you see the parallel to the new Christian and how important it is that we are thoughtful about what, where and how much we feed these new sheep?     As I gaze across the fields now I can barely tell the baby sheep from the adult sheep.   That’s how fast they grow.    Let’s all be thoughtful about what we are feeding the sheep.

____

The Europe Regional News is published on the second Thursday of every month. Submit comments or suggestions to: EuropePresident@pwoc.org

Posted by Blog Manager at 2:00 am Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,

Shining in Asia

regional review
Sep 072010

Submitted by De’Etta Goecker

Asia Region: your mission, should you choose to accept it, bring salt and light to Asia.

Our irresistible mandate is based on Mark 12:30, 31: “Love God Wholeheartedly; Love Others Deeply.”  As we seek to love Him fully and to love our PWOC sisters well, God is birthing dazzling creativity across our region. A rising call from Father God challenges us to ALSO look “outside the gates” and shed His salt and light with our host nations. Camp Humphrey’s Life in Korea summer series is a beautiful example of meeting real needs of our women, while looking beyond ourselves to see where God would place us at work during HIS current assignment for us in Asia.

Belinda Corlew, PWOC President at Camp Humphreys has graciously agreed to share with us. Enjoy!

“By nature, I am an adventurist. I love to move around, I embrace change! Not everyone adjusts as easily. It’s especially difficult to embrace change in another country as you are an ocean away from what’s familiar: family, friends, Wal-Mart, etc. The language barrier is just the beginning; added adjustments include transportation, housing, and the unique aromas of Korea.

During PCS season, I felt we needed to share the heart of Jesus by sharing the experiences of women who are thriving in Korea. God led me to invite three specific women who have lived in Korea for some time to share any unique events, challenges, or lessons God has taught them through their journey in Korea during our summer session. We incorporated field trips to Pyeongtaek, Icheon and Anjung Ri.  We also coordinated a prayer walk through USAG Humphreys focusing on praying for the Chapel, families in housing and off-post, children of all ages and schools including CDC, soldiers and the women in our community.

I began the series with a short devotion and a challenge based on Matthew 5:13 – 16, “We are called to be the salt and light. God has a mission for us here in Korea. We should choose to look at this as a God appointed calling. Living in another country, having to make new friends, understanding a new culture, can be very intimidating. We should not let fear of a new culture dim our light. God is not about fear. The enemy is and he will use fear to his advantage. If our focus is on God, our light will shine. He will fill us with the boldness to put our light “on a lamp stand”, the boldness to experience Korea and allow others to see our light shine!”

Well done, Camp Humphreys.

Until next month, Shine On! De’Etta

Posted by Blog Manager at 2:00 am Tagged with: , , , ,

A Leader Who Shines...Connects with Love

Leadership Development, Leadership Wednesday
Aug 042010

“Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.“ John 13:34-35 (NIV)

A Leader Who Shines… Connects with Love

Christ had a genuine love for the people He served – us. To serve us – He took the earthly form of a man, even though He was the Son of God. To serve us – He became a sacrifice, although He was a King. Christ is our shining example and model of leading with love.

As disciples of Christ we are called to servant leadership. This is not “naturally” an easy thing to do. We enter this world believing “it’s all about me.” There is some heart work to be done by God and our parents right from the beginning! As we step into leadership we really need to examine our hearts’ motivation. As Christ leads our hearts and minds we lead with the right motivation. Our best source of heart leading material is God’s Word.

According to Oswald Chambers, “the measure of the words of our public activity for God is the private communion we have with Him.” Our private communion with God through prayer and His Word is invaluable as a servant leader. Through His Word, God shines light into the dark places and fills those places with His wisdom. The Greek definition of the word for wisdom, sophia, includes the content and truth of the Word as well as the application of the Word. Blessedly, the Holy Spirit teaches and reminds us to apply His wisdom as servant leaders. Left to our own understanding, we can tend to puff up ourselves when we gain a little knowledge and a leadership position. 1 Corinthians 8:1 states that to God’s glory, “love builds up” and that the leader “who loves God is known by God.”  His is a Name to drop! “Yes, I am known by God!”

Jesus counseled His disciples when they got carried away in their understanding and being name-droppers. In Matthew 20:25-28 He fills them in about how man lords position, knowledge and power over others. Not so with His leaders. He calls us to serve and give as He so lovingly did for us.

If we love God and are known by Him, we will love those we lead and they will know that we are Christ’s disciples.

Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3 (NIV)

Posted by Cinky Jones at 2:00 am Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Off to a Great Start

Leadership Development, Leadership Wednesday, President's Pen
Jul 142010

We are in the leadership season of receiving the PWOC baton from the past board and running a new leg of the “race” in 2010-2011. The path before us can look much different than in seasons past, even different than the immediate past board’s path.  Because of this difference, it is important to start your leadership year off right by seeking the Lord for His direction. Whether this is your first time leading or your fiftieth time, there is always a new path for you to take.  God is moving forward with His Kingdom calendar and has a specific assignment for you and your PWOC each season of your lives.

As you seek God’s direction for your PWOC, challenge yourself in the area of leading out of the overflow that comes from spending quality time with Him.  By meeting with God daily and asking Him to reveal Himself to you, He will fill you up with His love and show you the direction you are to go.  It’s easy to jump start the race and get ahead of His plan for your PWOC.  Watch and listen and then when He gives the green light, run with confidence the path He has given you and your ministry team to complete.

Some of His plan will include looking at how you are shining and reflecting His glory.  Over the course of a year, He may reveal some “pot holes”, which will need some attention in order that you can continue growing as a leader.

It’s my desire that you continue to grow as a leader who shines in the light of God’s glory.  Below you will find a list of attributes that I think are important for every leader to move towards.  These attributes are good prayer points for yourself and others on your ministry leadership team:

  • Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength
  • Serve out of the overflow of your relationship with Him
  • Serve out of a pure heart and pure motives
  • Live your life in balance with God’s plan for your family and ministry
  • Listen for the Lord’s voice and walk in radical obedience to what He says
  • Courageously join God in His Kingdom work
  • Extend forgiveness, grace, love and mercy to others
  • Celebrate each other’s victories and growth in the Lord

There are many people praying for you.  Keep seeking the Lord and watch to see how God shows up and shows off in your life and the lives of others around you.

Wild About Jesus and You!

©Copyright 2010

Posted by Brenda Marlin at 2:00 am Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Prayer Points for March 28-April 3

Prayer Points
Mar 262010

But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. He did not need man’s testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.  John 2:24-25

Father,  We celebrate Palm Sunday around the world.  On that day, You were welcomed and hailed as King.  People filled the streets shouting Hosannah!  But You knew they would be the same crowd calling for your crucifixion a few days later.   Thank you that you know what is in each of  us, but you love us and pursue us despite our wayward hearts.  Protect us from trusting in man, in the flesh, in worldly wisdom.  Fill us with the knowledge of God and the Spirit of Wisdom from your throne.  Please forgive us when we plot and strategize, and then ask you to meet our expecations.  We lay our expectations and human wisdom on the altar of sacrifice.  We come humbly bringing every man and woman we have idolized in ministry or leadership before your throne.  Forgive us for trusting in a certain person or church group.  Forgive us for trusting ourselves and leaning on our own understanding. These things disappoint us and leave us hurting.  Help us to love  and forgive people and trust only YOU.  You are the only wise and true God.  Your Name is Faithful and True.  We receive your forgiveness and cleansing. We receive your generous outpouring of godly wisdom.   Thank you. In Jesus Trustworthy Name we pray, Amen.

Posted by Dawn Kennedy at 2:00 am Tagged with: , , , , , , , ,

Rays of Sunshine

Devotions
Mar 082010

Submitted by Kimchi Blow

“We love because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

We experience so many moments throughout the day that can so easily pass us by. Here lately, the Lord has been having me slow down a bit to enjoy just a few.  Thankfully, today at the park, I was able to watch my two toddlers playing joyfully.   While there, I experienced a moment that took my breath away, and I wanted to capture it in my mind forever.  After running around chasing her brother for what seemed like hours, my two year old daughter suddenly stopped with her face towards the sunshine. It was like a scene from a movie where time stopped and all I could see was her. With her face towards the sunlight, I could see each of her amazing features. Her skin appeared perfect like a porcelain doll, while strands of her golden blond hair blew gently across her face. The rays of light hit her striking blue eyes in just the right places and they danced with delight. Then slowly, she closed her eyes and gently tilted her head toward the sky, as if God had taken His hand under her chin and gently lifted it towards Him. Peace exuded from within her. She stood there with a smile enjoying the warmth of the sun on her face and wind through her hair. All I could do was hold my breath. I walked over to her and just held her, kissing her sweet face.  Immediately, I thanked God for the moment.  It was a moment to cherish, a moment to love, a moment to thank, and a moment worth living for!

I walked away from the park overwhelmingly changed somehow. Why did this moment touch me so intensely? Why did I feel a stirring deep within? Why did I want to just stop time right there and not move another second forward? Why? As I pondered these things, I even began to pray and seek God for the answer.  And then it hit me and I was moved even more profoundly than when I was watching my daughter. It became so apparent to me that God was giving me a picture of how He stops and cherishes me like that throughout each day! Stop to recognize the moments God pours His love on you today.

Posted by Blog Manager at 2:00 am Tagged with: , , , , , ,

February 14-February 20

Prayer Points
Feb 122010

Dear God,

You have been teaching me that the opposite love is not hate but fear.  Set me free from all fear that I may be secure, strong, confident and whole in Your love!!

  • Lord, every time I strive and perform to win your love, I am sliding back into religious slavery. Forgive me for trying to get it right instead of surrendering my brokenness to you and letting Your power flow through me.
  • Every time I act up and don’t treat those around me with your tender grace, I am feeling unloved.  Oh, God, cause my feelings to line up with the truth in Your Word.  While I was still a sinner, unable to do anything for You, You showed me Your Love by dying for my sins.
  • God, I feel ashamed and I hide from You, from myself, from those around me.  Set me free in love!  I want to worship you with nothing in between us.
  • Lord God, forgive me when I get intimidated and don’t speak or live in the glorious freedom you bought for me.  Forgive me for fearing man instead of reveling in awe of My Glorious King who loves me.

I receive your forgiveness and I choose today to give and receive love from a place of tender surrender, knowing I am loved, adored and all my shame is washed away.  I renounce all fear:  the fear of man, the fear of rejection, the fear of  punishment.  I receive the spirit of adoption by which we can cry, “Daddy, Daddy!”  Make me complete, perfect, whole in Your love.

I love you, Father.  In Jesus Name, Amen

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. I John 4: 18

Posted by Dawn Kennedy at 2:00 am Tagged with: , , , , , ,

January 31-February 6

Prayer Points
Jan 302010

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. I Peter 3:8-9

Dear Abba Father,

In this season where we celebrate romantic love, fill me with the true, supernatural relentless love of your heart. Forgive me when I do the right things with the wrong attitude.  Give me sympathy for those I don’t understand.  Help me to live in harmony with others.  Fill me with your compassion, your humble heart to serve and give.  Father, there are people around me who insult me and put me down.  Strengthen me to forgive and bless so that I can inherit the blessings you have for me. I need fellowship with Your Spirit so that I can overflow with the fruit of the Spirit that I may nourish those around me.  Remove anything between You and I and keep my heart tender before you.   I love you.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Posted by Dawn Kennedy at 9:46 pm Tagged with: , ,
Older Entries Newer Entries
© 2012 PWOC International Blog Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha