Written byRianna Elmshaeuser, Volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colorado

I used to have a job for the state of Colorado, where I went to various courthouses in a judicial district and typed out hearings and trials at the highest levels of criminality. I will not go into detail, but I heard the worst of what humans do to one another. I sat in the courtroom with evil regularly. I am a sensitive person, and this job of eight years took an extreme toll on my soul and mental health. When I left that job, I was in bad shape. I would spend my evenings drowning out my thoughts with television, YouTube, or whatever noise I could find. There was no peace in my mind. Many a night, I would weep alone in the dark. I found it difficult to exist in a world where there was such evil.

Today, I am in a much better place. I have a relationship and connection with God and others that I never dreamed possible. I still suffer some of the effects of that job on occasion, which causes a loved one to sometimes comment that they wish I had never had that job. The funny thing is, I do not wish that. In fact, I am grateful for it.  

It was that work that forced me to wrestle with deep questions about God and the things He allows to happen. It caused me to focus on the things that matter when it comes to sharing Jesus with people. It opened my eyes to the reality that while we sit in our little churches and bicker about how the communion trays are passed and whether the doors in the back are opened or closed during services, the Enemy is ravaging the world just outside our doors, and much of the time, we are doing nothing about it. That work gave me a passion for those who have no one in their life who has ever shown them true, real love—Jesus’ love.  

I left that job in 2019 and went back to school. This past fall, I started the second year of my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. I have enough experience now (though not much) that I can say with confidence that it is the work God created me to do. I am learning skills to help people heal, learn how to be loved, and find God in suffering. I have done a significant amount of healing myself on this journey. I would never have found any of the beautiful relationships I have today if I had never had that job. 

James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (NIV).

These verses do NOT mean we must be happy when going through hard seasons and situations. I now know that this means that we should consider it joy because our trials will be productive. When we are enduring unbearable pain and suffering, God is with us in the thick of it, and He is bringing about growth.

My hard times did not end when I left my State job. 2024 was another year of great heartache and loss. But as I endured this season, I knew that from it, God would bring about greater blessings in my heart and my life. I have already begun to see the growth in myself, and I know that more is still to come. While none of us ever wishes for trials of any kind, we can consider them joy when they do come, because we know God is with us, for us, and growing us through the pain.

Written by Marissa Gonzáles, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Guatemala

"Pray continually." (1Th 5:17 NIV)

As we read this verse, many of us may ask ourselves, “How can I accomplish this?”

Although some of us learned to pray from our parents or from someone who guided us in our spiritual lives, others did not have that support or teaching—they learned in the process of their growth in faith.

At some point in our lives, we all ask ourselves, “How should I pray? What will be the best way to do it?” Or we worry, “Why is our prayer not as fluid as others?”

Remember, praying is like conversing with someone very close to you to whom you want to tell everything you are going through or your life plans. In it, we find and achieve a close connection, and who better to do this with than our Heavenly Father—remembering that He is the center of everything and that our relationship with Him strengthens our life, faith, and prayers. When you start in prayer, it does not need to be extensive; start small, from your heart, and over time, it will become easier and more fluid.

Remember Jesus saying, "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Mt 6:6).

Whenever possible, find a place without distractions where you feel comfortable. I know that for moms, grandmothers, or those in charge of a little one, it is not easy to have these spaces. But as soon as you have those little quiet moments, take advantage of them! Give yourself some time for your communication with God, especially if it's at the beginning of the day, and find a place where you feel safe, and where you can connect and know that He hears you. Jesus set the example for us.

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." (Mk 1:35)

I know it may not be easy to get started, but something that helped me was to make a list of thanksgiving where I could write simple things: thanks for light, cold, heat, etc. Your list may initially be small, but you'll gradually add more. Also, consider in that list what you think are "bad" things; for example, you left home late, the tire of your car or motorcycle was punctured, the transportion you were awaiting was delayed, etc. You'll say, “Be thankful for that?!” Yes, there's something good in everything. What seems bad to you will leave you with a lesson learned, or it will free you from something more unpleasant than just the displeasure of the moment.

Remember the fruit of the Holy Spirit:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Gal 5:22-25)

And remember, praying isn't just about exposing all the needs or difficulties you're going through; it's not even just asking for what you don't have. Rather, it is the means to find peace as you connect with our Father, being grateful for what He allowed you to experience whether it is considered good or bad.

So, start by expressing thanks for every moment... Thank you, God, for this day, thank you for my family, thank you for the coffee, thank you...

Some may say, "How can you give thanks even for coffee?” Yes, we should also be thankful for little things like that because they give us pleasant and comfortable moments! By doing this, we improve our dialogue with God because it will no longer be just about giving thanks; we will also be mindful of why we say thank you. We will understand every situation in our daily lives, and we will be aware that we can change our attitude towards life and others, and that's where our relationship with God will grow.

With this as a foundation, you will form your prayer. Remember that Jesus left us guidance and an example when He prayed to the Father (Mt 6:7-15). Honoring our Heavenly Father, let us humbly present ourselves, ask Him for forgiveness for those faults we have committed, thank Him, express our love and trust in Him, and express what we feel from the heart— total dependency (24x7).

Be thoughtful about your prayers. Which do you do more: asking or being thankful?

Written by Amanda Miriam, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in João Pessoa, Brazil

Dear sister, it is with great gratitude that I share with you some of my reflections based on the theme that I was given. I recommend that you have your Bible in hand, pray, and ask the Lord to speak to you through His Word. We have a precious theme here.

In chapter 15 of the Gospel of Luke, three parables are presented. They speak about the lost: the sheep, the coin, and the son. But before we delve into the parables, the text speaks about who was present while Jesus was teaching. In verses 1 and 2, the audience is basically divided into two groups: the tax collectors and sinners, who were the "listeners," and the Pharisees and teachers of the law, who were the "critics."

The group of "critics" thought it completely absurd that Jesus sat at the table with tax collectors and sinners. They considered themselves worthy, superior, and above sinners, yet they were incapable of hearing what Jesus was saying.

My prayer is that we may be among those who hear what Jesus has to say, those who know exactly where they were when they were found by the Lord, and the high price that He paid so that we might be restored and brought back with great joy to the Father's house. Once restored, our mission is to go and take the gospel to every creature; our mission is not to criticize or choose who will or will not hear about Christ. We need to go and seek with compassion and joy those who are lost, without pride or superiority; the gospel is for everyone.

Three situations were presented: the man who went in search of the sheep, the woman who swept her house looking for the coin, and the father who had to wait for the return of his son, who decided to leave. What happens in our hearts while we search? What comes to our minds while we wait? Verse 22 says that the father, full of compassion, received his son back. There are various contexts in which our mission of "go" (Mt 28:18-19) will be fulfilled; we will seek the lost in different situations, but the Word reveals to us that prayer is a powerful tool in all of them. First Thessalonians 5:17 says: "Pray continually" (NIV).

Matthew 17:14-21 tells of the healing of a demon-possessed boy. The boy's father came to Jesus, pleading with Him to heal his son, since he had already sought help from the discipleswho were unable to heal him. Jesus healed the boy, told the disciples that faith the size of a mustard seed could move mountains, and concluded by saying, "However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (NKJV).

Regardless of the situation and who the lost soul you are seeking may be, pray! We need to nourish our faith with the Word of Truth and with constant prayer so that we may have compassionate hearts that are not critical or resentful.

Sister, can you think of someone you've repeatedly tried to bring to Christ? If you haven't yet experienced the joy of witnessing that encounter, persevere in prayer. Can you think of someone in your home who isn't yet in Christ? Persevere in prayer. Is there someone who has left the Father's house and you're waiting for them to return? Persevere in prayer.

If you can, take some time and pray once more for those whom God has placed in your path and who need to be rescued. May we persevere, and may the Lord guide us every step of the way in this mission.

Written by Johanna Zabala, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Venezuela

“...On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.” (Ps. 63:6 NIV)

Ever since I came to know the love and mercy of a Sovereign God, prayer has been a sublime spiritual activity. In prayer, soul and Divinity are connected, making possible the experience of life and healing. Today, being committed to Christ, every moment leads me to a fuller relationship with Him and, therefore, to follow the model prayer that He left us.

In my childhood, the prayer I learned from the Lord's Prayer became that direct conversation with Him. I didn't know then that this prayer would be the reference pattern for structuring my prayers in a particular way in vigils, by day and by night, where it would fill me with faith and spiritual awareness.

I remember that almost 25 years ago, I entered the hospital to give birth to my first daughter. It was a rainy night and one of the times when I began to pour myself out in prayer. Sorting out my thoughts and feelings, I recognized the grandeur of that moment of waiting, knowing that it was He who was with me.

At that moment, the pattern of prayer I learned as a child flashed through my mind, and in that experience, Almighty God and His purposes led me to cry out for sanctification in His holy name. Driven to do His will in that moment of uncertainty, not knowing what would happen, in that moment I came to ask for forgiveness with all my being and that I would forgive those who had offended me.. In the midst of pain unknown and new to me, I was filled with strength, concentration, and security that led to the success of a new life for the glory of God. This situation filled me with spiritual satisfaction from that moment until today. I have chosen that which allows my heart and soul to reject the sinful nature which counteracts the spiritual by separating me from God, , but instead nourishes me in this race of life.

From then on, every night vigil has comforted me. I know that in the presence of the Eternal and in uninterrupted intimate meditation, my mind, heart, and soul come together to confirm the security of His existence, giving answers in the Lord's perfect timing for every request and thanksgiving.

The nights, despite the day's weariness, are the most significant time in my relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is then that I can give an account of the day, its trials, and its learning, being at rest, knowing that everything is done in His name (is in His control).

Praying is, and always will be, a holy privilege, where unique communication flows with the majesty of the Heavenly Father through Christ Jesus and His teachings, miracles, and human and holy examples that inspire us to follow in His footsteps of salvation and continual reflection.

All of the above points to full harmony and commitment to Christ, which is why in every prayer of the soul, there is so much peace, which is superior to any distraction from the earthly world.

Likewise, in prayer you learn dependence, submission, love, security, and certainty that everything depends on God's will, not yours. Prayer is, and always will be, the continuous path to spiritual blessings at all times—in times of joy, in struggles, in trials, in times of seeking direction and holiness. You sanctify, you bless His divine nature, you focus on His will to which you were called, you ask for physical help in earthly survival, you are led to forgiveness towards your neighbor and yourself, you receive strength to keep you from falling into temptation, and you are freed from evil.

When I can't sleep, I pray. Before I sleep, I pray, and my thoughts are held captive, keeping me aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit in every moment of life.

Do you live and love prayer? When you lie down, are your thoughts united with Christ?

Written by Kathy Reagan, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries

We know that prayer and study of the Word are the backbone of our relationships with God. I’ve heard it said that it’s the same in any relationship: once you stop listening to and talking to someone, that relationship is over. We listen to God by reading His Word, and we speak to Him in prayer. “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Col 4:2 ESV). Again, in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, we’re instructed, “Pray without ceasing.”

Sisters, we all know how much God loves us, right? Just a few minutes of meditation on Jesus’ sacrifice makes that loud and clear. We know that it’s His will that we pray to Him, but let’s explore the blessings that come from a strong and consistent prayer life. They may surprise you.

• Prayer encourages us because we know that we have the ear of the Creator of the universe anytime we want! “We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshipper of God and does His will, God listens to him” (Jn 9:31). This is still staggering to me, even after 50 years of being a Christian! Imagine living in a foreign country ruled by a king. Even if you were his close friend, how likely is it that you could get the king to listen to your every concern 24/7? How much more infinitely powerful is the One who spoke the universe into existence?! We have His ear at any time of day or night! Take a minute and reflect on the power of that alone!
• Prayer humbles us as we start our prayers with praise, reminding us of our proper place in relationship to our Creator. When Jesus gave His apostles an example of prayer, He began with “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name” (Mt 6:9). We, too, begin our conversation with abundant praise for God, putting us in awe of Him once again, as we reflect on all He has done and continues to do, of His great love for us that He would give His Son to die such a hideous death to pave the way for us to be with Him eternally.
• Prayer humbles us as we consistently ask for His help. It reminds us that we are not perfect: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”(Ro 3:23).On the contrary, we are weak and sinful, yet the enemy likes to subtly encourage us to be puffed up, overconfident, and think too much of ourselves. The reality is that we’re simply unable or unequipped to do most things in life alone. But God promises to be with us: “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age”(Mt 28:20b), and give us wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to Him”(Jas 1:5), and strength: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”(Php 4:13).
• Prayer blesses us even when we are so overwhelmed that we literally cannot utter the words to pray. The Spirit, who lives within us, intercedes at the most vulnerable times in our lives: “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for, as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words”(Ro 8:26).
• Prayer blesses us by keeping our minds on spiritual things, reminding us to see with spiritual eyes, and not focus on things of the earth: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col 3:2). Life on earth can be fast paced, often distracting us from spiritual things. But prayer recenters our thoughts and gives us a proper perspective on any topic, no matter how troubling.
• Prayer blesses us as we continually give up our struggles to Him, resulting in a peace that we cannot even understand! “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”(Php 4:6-7).
• Lastly, prayer blesses others and increases the Kingdom.We pray for those who are sick, and God heals them, or we pray for safety for our loved ones, and He grants that. We pray for someone we are studying with to have an open heart, and when they do, we rejoice with them at their baptism! Others are blessed through our prayers. The Kingdom increases.

Is it surprising to think that the majority of the blessings of an earnest and consistent prayer life come to those who are doing the praying?

Sisters, please allow me to encourage you to increase your prayer life significantly. It will bless you abundantly, as well as those you are praying for, and the Kingdom!

Written by Aileen Bonilla, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Ecuador

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Php. 4:6 ESV)

There is no better story to illustrate this teaching than the very situation that the apostle Paul was going through while writing this letter. He was imprisoned in Rome between about 60 and 62 A.D. However, the Philippian brothers were loyal to him and his teachings, so they constantly sent monetary aid through Epaphroditus. For this reason, Paul constantly prayed that they would maintain unity in Christ Jesus, subduing their pride so that the fruit of joy would spring up in the whole church. Paul was imprisoned, and although he was a very strong man, he did not stop being a human; he did not stop feeling. Think for a moment how distressing it must have been to be among such dangerous people and ruthless soldiers. Still, his refuge was the God of Israel.

Something similar happened to King David. Let’s look at this Psalm: "In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears" (Ps. 18:6). There is no better refuge than Jehovah's heart. David was also being persecuted and felt that his heart was being oppressed. However, we see that he placed his trust in God in supplication because he was sure that he would be heard.

The apostle Paul expressed the same thing. I find it incredible that he tells us not to worry about anything and to remove that worry by asking God for what we need and being grateful for what we have right now, perhaps because to be grateful is to keep our minds occupied with our blessings.

I can imagine Paul on his knees, always crying out for God’s mercy. This deepened his intimate relationship with the Creator. He teaches us that, amidst our problems, approaching confidently the throne of grace through prayer strengthens our intimacy with God.

For the Philippians, it was not only a concern of everyday life; it should be added that at that time, being a Christian was almost synonymous with death. Still, they would have to learn to trust God and use prayer as the vehicle that would lead them to find peace. Commentator William Barclay said, "He who prays with perfect confidence in the love, wisdom, and power of God will find the peace of God.”

My dear reader, I know it's hard to pray and give thanks when we don't have a job, or when we're sick, or when a loved one is sick. Paul's call, however, is to keep our minds in a constant state of gratitude for what God has given us, such as the salvation of our souls and the knowledge of His Eternal Kingdom. He hears us and, like a loving Father, He will heed our requests. One thing I've learned over the past few years is that God is the only merciful being, and His love is kind. Therefore, praying constantly with all our hearts will keep us from being dependent on the volatility of human beings.

Written byLisanka Martinez, volunteer for Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Venezuela

Every beginning of the year is an opportunity for a fresh start in our Christian life as well. We begin a new biblical year: projects for discipleship, planning activities in the congregation... We focus on praying for what we need to grow spiritually, and obviously, since wisdom is an essential part of that growth, it is always included as one of the first requests on prayer lists.

Let's see what the Bible tells us about it in two well-known verses:

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding

fault, and it will be given to you.(Jas 1:5 NIV)

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. (Pr 4:7)

 As is well known, when James writes his letter to the 12 scattered churches who have been persecuted and are going through various trials because of their faith, he encourages them to find joy in that situation. He tells them in this way: they will obtain the patience that will perfect them. Without pointing to anyone in particular, he immediately gives them this valuable advice in a general way, addressed to all the recipients: "If any of you lacks wisdom...".

The wisdom to which he refers leads to knowing, understanding, discerning, clearly understanding, having good judgment, making the right decisions, and knowing how to apply and defend the truth in every situation. This was not advised to only a few— all the scattered Christians needed that wisdom— but how to acquire it? 

This kind of wisdom can only come from God; only He, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are wise enough to give it. This is why James continues with the second part of this verse: "... you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." As we can see, This is a precious gift that we should ask for and long for in order to share His Word with others to honor, praise, and glorify Him.

As for the second verse, we know that Proverbs is the book of the Bible where many quotations and instructions concerning wisdom appear with the purpose of bringing us closer to God. In its opening chapters, Solomon counsels his sons to seek wisdom and recalls that he received this counsel from David, his father. In verse 7 of chapter 4, Solomon stresses the importance of acquiring that wisdom before anything else, which he tells them is the most important thing they can have— the most valuable possession above anything that man desires. Do you have an idea of the importance of asking, seeking, and acquiring that wisdom with God's help? It will enable us to know, understand, and obey His divine will.

So, knowing that acquiring wisdom has great relevance for our spiritual growth, what stops us from asking God for it first and dedicating ourselves with effort to seek it and acquire it? We should not have limitations or fear to ask for it as we have already learned.

 Therefore, one way in which we must grow or flourish is by acquiring wisdom that comes from above. For this, we must eliminate the thorns of indecision, procrastination, and pride (believing that we are already wise because we have great knowledge of the Bible, we can quote many verses from memory, or we have spent time in theological studies). We also need to recognize that we need the help of someone as a sharpener in our lives to pray for wisdom, to practice as wise women in all aspects of our lives, and to remember that God wants us to ask Him so that He can give this wisdom to us without reproach.

Do you dare to practice being wise from now on with God's help? Let’s start by asking Him for wisdom.

Written by Iron Rose Sister Ministries team and Board Members


As President of the Board and self-appointed, glorified cheerleader for IRSM, my prayer request is for unity and wisdom as the team and board work together to God’s glory.
~ Katie Forbess, President of the Board

Thankful for all of the resources provided by God, I pray that we will calm our hearts enough to allow us to step back and look at the many needs in the ministry, the wisdom to discern and set priorities, and the will and strength that trusts in God’s power and strength to do everything possible to tend to them. In Jesus' name,
~ Fernando Butch Sandoval, Board Member

My prayer is that IRSM will be integral to more churches in equipping and encouraging their women members.
~ Mark Vaughn, Board Member

I pray for all our Iron Rose Sisters to find peace amidst the chaos, and to seek the glory of God. May we store up our treasures in heaven.
~ Wendy Neill, Advancement Coordinator

I pray that IRSM continues to be strengthened as a community and that these resources may bless and connect people.
~ Alex Marins, English/Portuguese Translator/Editor

Thank you, Lord, for what you do through this ministry. Continue using it to equip women and show them how much You love and care for them.
~ Débora Rodrigo, English/Spanish Translator/Editor

I pray for direction for the Ministério Irmã Rosa de Ferro so that it will glorify God in Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking countries in 2024.
~ Laurie Diles, Board Member

My prayer for Iron Rose Sister Ministries in 2024 is for God to continue to be glorified in all it does, for women to continue to be equipped, encouraged, and empowered through its resources, and for relationships to continue to deepen in Christ.
~ Amanda Nitsch, Director of Operations

My prayer is that God may direct us to the women who hunger and thirst for the gospel—that we can provide them with Bible teaching and study materials to help them in their walk and share with others around them.
~ Judy Larsen, Office Assistant

May God open the doors so that we can present the ministry in person in more places in Brazil, organizing and participating in events.
~ Beliza Kočev, Brazil Coordinator

My prayer is that God will continue to bless the areas where IRSM is already having an impact and open up new places in the world for IRSM to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
~ Juana Hall, Financial Assistant

I pray that all that we share in social media may, in one way or another, impact the women who follow us. May we encourage them to draw closer to God and each other with the help of the ministry.
~ Francia Oviedo, Creative Assistant

May God continue to use us to equip, encourage, and empower women in their walks with God and each other, especially through the new book that will be released this fall and the new video resources rolling out in Spanish and Portuguese.
~ Michelle J. Goff, Founder and Executive Director

We request that you pray with us for those who need the connection and encouragement to find their way to our ministry and that our ministry will bring them closer to the Lord. Similarly, please pray for all of us Iron Rose Sisters, that we will be welcoming and genuine representatives of Jesus when others cross our paths.
~ Hannah Hackworth, Virtual Assistant

May God allow the team and board members to work together to fulfill God’s calling for Iron Rose Sister Ministries by remaining committed to Christ individually, and that all our efforts during the year will encourage, equip, and empower women across the Americas to seek God’s kingdom and remain committed to Christ!
~ Brenda Brizendine, Assistant Director

I pray that all the women who have been blessed by IRSM will use the teaching and resources they have received and share them with others this year. In this way, those who have been blessed may become a blessing to many others.
~ Bill Richardson, Board Member

I pray that 2024 will be a year of banner growth for IRSM! I pray for good health and wellbeing for Michelle and the entire IRSM team and board. Most importantly, I pray that each and every woman who connects with IRSM grows exponentially in their faith or comes to know Jesus through this beautiful ministry.
~ Kat Bittner, Board Member

My prayer is that God will use each of our gifts and talents for this ministry to build and support women's efforts to fully commit to Christ in 2024 through blogs, books, workshops, prayer, and fellowship.
~ Brenda Davis, English Editor

Written by Claudia Perez, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Alabama

God's Word tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Php. 4:6 ESV).

We live in a world where we find ourselves in different situations. Many times, the burdens of this life absorb us, and we fall into anxiety and worry. These burdens and anxieties often lead us away from our primary purpose, which is to glorify our God and fellowship with Him.

Throughout my life, I have had moments of blessings, happiness, and joy. The Lord blessed me with work, life, and health. Sadly and shamefully, I confess that in those moments, I sometimes forgot to cry out to God. I was very busy with my work responsibilities and the affairs of this life to the point of allowing physical and mental exhaustion to get in the way of my communion with God through prayer.

Three years ago, while hospitalized, I went through a rough patch and learned that God was not my 911 emergency number. I must confess that, in those moments, many thoughts invaded my mind. Satan filled me with fear and dread. I decided to start praying and these verses of hope came to mind, verses I had read many times before: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Php. 1:21), "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Php. 4:13).

Due to my circumstances, anxiety was invading my mind. As flesh, we will inevitably go through situations like this. The important thing is that in those moments, we remember the Lord's promises and ask for His will to be done in us. This is the difficult part because truthfully, our spirit wills it, but our fleshly weakness gets in the way.

We are afraid to submit ourselves to God's will. It is here that the struggle of the spirit and the flesh comes into play. But it is here, sisters, that we must use the most powerful weapon we have to overcome our flesh: prayer. It is through prayer that our spirit finds peace and we have full communion with our God. In difficult times, we may think no one listens to us, and our faith often fails. However, it is important to remember God's promise, "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known" (Jer. 33:3).

But is it only in those difficult moments that prayer should be an active part of our lives? What does the Bible say about giving thanks? In moments of joy, wellbeing, and peace, we neglect to raise prayers of thanksgiving to God. God wants us to cry out to Him in every situation in our lives.

The best example of prayer in any situation was shown to us by the Master. Our Lord prayed at all times and in every situation. He always entrusted Himself to the Father in prayer, asking for His guidance to do His will and thus glorify Him.

Sisters, when we understand this, we will understand the great privilege we have through prayer. Apart from communicating directly with the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord, we will also glorify Him. It is in prayer that we submit our will fully to His will so that His purpose will be fulfilled in us, and His name glorified through our lives. God always cares for us when we abandon our will and entrust ourselves to Him. Remember what the apostle Peter says, "…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you" (1Pe. 5:7).

Beloved sisters, in this world we will face different situations. It is my desire that in any situation we pray and cry out to the One who desires the best for us. Are you willing to submit your will to the Father's? Are you willing to wait and trust the Lord always, no matter the circumstances?

Written by Dr. Anessa Westbrook, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in York, Nebraska 

If you were asked to explain marquetry or pyrography, how would you begin? Likely, few of you even know what these crafts are, so you would probably begin by looking them up. Then, perhaps, you would try to learn a little about the process behind them. When it comes to mentoring, our familiarity with that word can give us a false sense of knowing what it is. It’s like hearing a word in another language and assuming that you know the meaning because it sounds familiar, but then later find out that the meaning is different. Often, we do not take the time needed to reflect on everything that mentoring entails.

Women are specifically told to mentor in Titus 2. Titus 2:3 lays out the personal preparation that must occur beforehand, saying, “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good” (NIV). Before someone begins mentoring, there is a preparation process that needs to take place. According to this passage, mentors need to be reverent, watch the way they talk about people, not be controlled by worldly actions, and be prepared to provide good teaching. These qualities take time to develop. What we see reflected in this verse is inner work that is both countercultural and requires the ability to stand one’s ground. 

We should not underestimate the power of our influence as women. In Philippians 4:2-3, we see Euodia and Syntyche called out both as partners in the Gospel and with a plea for them to get along. They were obviously influential, but their disagreement was causing issues in the church at Philippi. Mentors should be worthy of imitation. Just as Paul called upon Christians to imitate him in Philippians 3:17, a mentor needs to realize the weightiness of her example.Unhealthy practices should be identified and removed from her life, as they could potentially be replicated in the life of her mentee.

Titus 2:4-5 outlines specific topics for mentors to cover. These topics are mainly domestic in nature, but they represented the everyday reality of women at this time. Paul wanted women to infuse their daily work with purpose and faith, so that they could represent Christianity and their faith well. Today’s mentors should take into account the daily work of their mentees, preparing them to reflect God in their work and personal lives.

Throughout Acts, women played important roles as the early church was being established. Right after the apostles watched Jesus ascend into heaven, they returned to the upper room in Jerusalem. Acts 1:14 says, “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers”(ESV). In this small community, women wrestled alongside the apostles with how to apply what they had learned from Jesus to their lives as a Christian community. 

Throughout the book of Acts, we see women stepping up to use their gifts for Christ. We are introduced to Tabitha in Acts 9, who is described in verse 36 as “always doing good and helping the poor.” After she became ill and died, her absence was felt keenly by the widows whom she was caring for, and ultimately resulted in Peter raising her from the dead so she could continue her work. In Acts 16, we see the influential and connected Lydia and her household’s conversion and baptism. In verse 40, we find that Lydia went on to host Christians in her home. And in Acts 18, Priscilla, alongside of husband Aquilla, shares the good news of Jesus’ life and ministry to Apollos, who was boldly preaching about the coming of the Messiah. This transformed his message. These women used their influence in the circles God had given them, stepped up, and served God faithfully in those areas. Mentors should demonstrate this type of faithful service in their own circles, encouraging younger women to do the same. 

Mentoring is not a suggestion or an option; it is what we are called to as women. We should approach our own preparation with intentionality, carefully considering the way we influence and mentor. As you reflect on mentoring, what are some growth areas that you can work on? What type of impact do you think you could make in the lives of other women after working in these areas?

Written byMichelle J. Goff, Founder and Executive Director of Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Sword fighting has never been a sport that appealed to me. If I were to try, I know I would be ill-equipped to wield such a weapon. It would require training, strengthening, and a lot of practice. 

Ephesians 6:17 compares the Word of God to a sword, the final piece of the armor of God. The writer of Hebrews states that it is sharper than any two-edged sword (4:12). And in Paul’s instructions to Timothy, he states that the Scriptures can be used to teach, rebuke, correct, and train in righteousness (2Ti 3:16).

We hold a powerful weapon in our hands. And we need discernment for how to use it wisely. We don’t cut a sandwich in half with a machete. We don’t use a kitchen knife to cut back the aggressive vines that are growing around the house.

If I am going to put the Scriptures into practice wisely, what do I need to do?

1. Know the Scriptures. Keep them at the forefront of my mind, heart, soul, and strength. Speak of them when I sit and lie down (Dt 6:4-9). Hide the words in my heart (Ps 119:11).
2. Know the Author of the Scriptures. I can put the Word of God into practice better if I know the One who is speaking (Jn 12:49). “If you really know me, you will know my Father as well”(Jn 14:7 NIV). The more I hear His Word, the more I will know His voice and be able to discern what is not of Him.
3. Respect the context of the words in the Word.TheBible contains 66 books that were written in a variety of styles for a broad audience at different points in history and culture. Even if I don’t know all the background of the audience to whom the book or chapter was written, or about the writer of the book (inspired by the Holy Spirit, 2Pe 1:20-21), I can focus on the context of a verse within the entire chapter or book of the Bible.
4. Put the Scriptures into practice.Just do it!The Bible is the one book that cannot be fully understood until it is practiced.
   James 1:25 says, “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”
5. Learn from my mistakes.Accept grace and move forward wisely. I can fall into the accuser’s trap of critique or condemnation when I look back at the foolish ways of my past (as a non-Christian or even as a young Christian when I didn’t practice the Scriptures wisely). Instead, I can hear Jesus’ words and follow Peter’s or others’ example.
   When Jesus tells Peter that he will betray Him, Jesus offers him the hope of redemption and purpose on the other side of that mistake. “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Lk 22:32).
6. Trust the Holy Spirit to remind and guide me.When I get distracted or discouraged, I can easily forget the Word and God’s promises. “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (Jn 14:25-26).
7. Pray, persevere, and pray some more. God honors those who seek Him. God hears my prayers and knows my desire to follow His Word and to show Him my love through obedience. He also knows that I am human and will have times of weakness along the journey. Paul expresses a similar sentiment in his letter to the Philippians.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Php 3:12-14)

Thank you for your desire to put the Scriptures into practice wisely. What have you learned that has helped you do that? How can you encourage others and be encouraged to continue in that mutual goal?

Written by Rachel D. Baker, volunteer with Sister Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

It's time for many of us to face the difficult truth: It is entirely possible to spend a lot of time doing things for God and still feel spiritually empty.

Church events, cooking meals, Bible studies, helping others, showing up when someone needs prayer… none of these things are bad. In fact, they are beautiful expressions of faith! But somewhere along the way, many of us quietly drift into a dangerous rhythm. We become so focused on serving others for God that we slowly stop spending much time with Him.

This is exactly where Jesus’s words gently pull us back to what matters most:

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit;
apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5 (NIV)

The imagery Jesus uses here is simple, but powerful. A branch has no life source of its own, and it can’t produce fruit through determination or effort. It only bears fruit because it’s connected to the vine that supplies everything it needs. If a branch is cut off, it could still look fine for a little while. The leaves might still appear green. But eventually, life fades from the branch because the connection is gone.

The same is true for us. We can stay busy with good things for a while. We can keep showing up, serving, and checking all the right boxes. But if we aren't still connected to Jesus — the true Vine — our spiritual lives slowly begin to dry out. This is why we need a reminder that tends to step on our toes:

Don’t spend so much time working for God that you forget to spend time with God.

Ministering to others can easily crowd out intimacy with the One we are serving. Our calendars fill up, and responsibilities multiply. Before we realize it, quiet time with our Father becomes the thing we squeeze in “if there’s time.”

But the fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control — does not grow out of a packed schedule or stubborn willpower. Fruit grows from connection.

Jesus never told us to create fruit. He told us to remain in Him and yield the fruit.

Remaining in Christ isn’t complicated, but it does require intention. It means stepping away from the noise and distractions long enough to sit in God’s presence. It means opening His Word and letting it speak into our hearts instead of rushing through a few verses on our way to the next task. It means praying honestly and pausing long enough to listen. It’s less about checking a spiritual box and more about cultivating a relationship.

So, what does this look like?

Maybe sometimes it looks like sitting quietly with your Bible and a cup of coffee before the house wakes up. Sometimes it’s whispering prayers while folding laundry or driving to work. Sometimes it’s simply slowing down enough to notice God’s presence in the middle of an ordinary day. These small moments of connection are where spiritual fruit begins to grow.

When we stay close to Jesus, His life flows through us. Over time, we start to notice changes — not because we forced them, but because God works within us. Patience shows up where frustration used to live. Peace settles into places that once felt chaotic. Love becomes easier to extend, even when it’s difficult. This is the beauty of remaining close to Christ: The pressure to produce fruit isn’t on us. (Hallelujah!) Our role is simply to remain connected to the Vine.

So, if life has felt busy, overwhelming, or spiritually dry lately, the invitation today isn’t to try harder. It’s simply to slow down and return to the Vine. Because when we dwell with Him, the fruit will come.

Are you spending more time working for God, or remaining with Him?

What might need to shift in your daily rhythms so you can stay more closely connected to the Vine?

Written by Kat Bittner, volunteerwith Sister Iron Rose Ministries in Colorado

​In the hustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to feel like we are running on empty. We strive to be "good people," to be productive, and to make a difference, but often we find ourselves exhausted and withered. The secret to a vibrant, impactful life isn't found in trying harder—it’s found in abiding deeper.

​While 2 Peter 3 reminds us of the patience of the Lord and the promise of His return, it calls us to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2Pe 3:18). This growth isn't a solo DIY project; it is the natural result of being connected to the Source.

​The Anatomy of the Vine

​To understand our relationship with Jesus, we have to look at the vineyard. Jesus famously said, "I am the vine; you are the branches" (Jn 15:5). In a physical vineyard, the vine is the lifeline. It pumps water and nutrients from the earth into the branches. The branch doesn't "work" to create a grape; it simply holds on.

• ​The Vine provides the identity: A branch without a vine is just a stick.
• ​The Vine provides the energy: The sap (the Holy Spirit) flows through the connection.
• ​The Vine determines the fruit: You cannot produce "peace" or "love" on your own strength any more than a branch can produce an apple by sheer willpower.

​"The branch of the vine does not worry, and fret, and rush here and there to seek for sunshine, air, and ingredients of life... it simply rests in the vine, and the fruit which comes is the vine’s fruit, grown through the branch." — Hudson Taylor

​Why We Invite Others into the Vineyard

​If we are truly connected to the Vine, our lives will naturally hang heavy with fruit. And fruit isn't for the branch—fruit is for others to eat. Second Peter 3:9 tells us that the Lord is "patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." If we have found the source of life, our greatest act of love is to invite others to graft themselves into the same Vine. We aren't just inviting people to a "religion"; we are inviting them to a relationship that sustains them.

​Practical Ways to Invite Others

​Inviting someone to know Jesus doesn't always require a pulpit. Sometimes, it just requires a gardener’s touch. Here are three practical ways to share the Vine:

1. ​The "Taste and See" Invitation: Share a specific way Jesus has helped you through a recent struggle. When people see the "fruit" of peace in your life during a storm, they will want to know where it comes from.
2. ​The Open Table: Invite a neighbor or coworker for a meal. Use the time to listen deeply. As 1 Peter 3:15 suggests, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
3. The Simple "Come and See": You don't need to have all the answers. Like Philip said to Nathanael in John 1:46, just say: "I’ve found something that changed my life. Do you want to come to service (or small group) with me this week?"

Conclusion

​As we wait for the day of the Lord described in 2 Peter 3, let us not be idle. Let us sink our roots deep into Jesus, the True Vine, and extend our branches wide to a world that is hungry for the fruit only He can provide.

​I encourage you to create a list of five daily "Abiding Prompts" to help you stay connected to the Vine throughout your week.

Written by Sharit Saman Zapata, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Peru

Imagine a tree in the desert that, from afar, seems strong and robust, but when you get closer, you discover that it is dry, without sap or fruit, and rotten inside. Its strength was only an appearance. Now imagine another tree by a river, full of fruits and shiny leaves; it does not struggle to survive, it grows calmly, and that is why it overflows with life.

Which of the two trees is more like our spiritual life?

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.(Ps 1:1-3; NIV)

Many of us, after years in the Church, learn to see ourselves well from afar: we speak like Christians, we move in environments of faith, we master biblical passages and practice disciplines... but inside, something does not grow. The dangerous thing is to stagnate, to get used to living like this, to do the "right" things without satisfaction: we pray, we read the Bible, we surround ourselves with Christians... and we are still empty.

This is a real struggle, but we should not allow ourselves to remain in this state for long or settle. There is a big difference between being busy with things of God and being really rooted in Him.

Some tips we can take from Psalm 1:1-3:

1. Stop walking where you shouldn't.

"the one who does not walk in step with the wicked..."

Before speaking of roots, the psalmist points in the direction: how can we grow in God if we listen to voices and make decisions that lead us away from Him? It is like a tree in dry ground: its fruits, if there are any, will be contaminated. Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other" (Mt 6:24). Many times, we do not grow because we have our hearts divided between obedience and comfort and we do not want to let go of what prevents us from moving forward.

2. Stop "trying" and start reveling.

"whose delight is in the law of the Lord."

Here we are going to find the real problem: it is not a lack of discipline; it is a lack of delight. You can read the Bible every day and still be dry, we can pray and still be empty, all this because God is not looking for routines: He is looking for genuine love. And if we think about it, no one needs reminders to do something they love. Psalm 42:1 says, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." That is our reference, it is not an obligation… it is hunger. If your relationship with God feels heavy, it is not a problem of agenda... It's a heart problem. This is because a tree should not simply visit water, it should live connected to it.

3. Stay, don't just pass by.

"who meditates on his law day and night"

Sometimes we treat God as a quick stop: a short devotional, a prayer before bed, a song on the road, while the rest of our life is disconnected. Jesus says, "apart from me you can do nothing" (Jn 15:5). It doesn't just say a little, it says NOTHING. It is like a state-of-the-art cell phone—although it has all the potential, without being charged or connected, it is useless. So is your spiritual life if you do not abide in Him.

4. The fruit will be inevitable if the roots are real and firm.

"That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season"

Many people get frustrated looking for immediate fruit, but the passage says it will be in due time. Like the tree that stands by its source, without comparing or forcing itself, it only strives to stay at its source, then the fruit comes naturally. In Galatians 5:22–23 we see the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace,... This fruit grows when we are connected. If there is no fruit, the problem is not the fruit, but the roots.

You don't need another spiritual strategy or a perfect plan; you need to decide TODAY where you are planted. You can be busy with Christian stuff or be a really rooted woman by the river. Those two things are not the same. How much longer are you going to settle for a life that seems strong on the outside, but is dry on the inside?

Written by Ana Carolina Mourão, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Campo Grande, Brazil

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Col 3:1-4 NIV)

I found it interesting Colossians 3:2 was the suggested verse for this blog: Set Your Mind on Things Above. This is a struggle I have with my mind and which has been unfolding for some time. I believe we all face this battle. When I reflect on this verse, I think “If my mind stays and works on things that are from above, then it is filled with what is good and there is no time left for the things of the world.”

Our whole life is for the Lord’s honor and glory. Sometimes we fail, sometimes we judge, but only God is the true judge, and this Judge gave us such grace by sending Jesus to die on the cross in our place.

This is my prayer: Father, I ask you for forgiveness because I sin, but I thank you for your mercy, Lord. I give you my life. I thank you for reaching so many sisters and as long as I live, I believe in your healing. I thank you for the sisters who pray for me, Lord, because I believe in the power of prayer. In the name of Jesus, amen.

A good way to occupy your thoughts with things above is to ask yourself: What do I love to do for the Lord? In my case, it is working with the little ones; playing with them, doing theater, and making fun classes. And you? What is your gift? Invest in it. That's your TALENT. Do you remember this beautiful parable? To each is given their talent, and the one who multiplies it hears, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!” (Mt 25:21).

May our thoughts remain on things above. And what are these things? These would be things that involve the Lord, His church, the brotherhood, widows, and orphans, as this is true religion (Jas 1:27). When we help with visits, women's classes, coffee and tea for church events, and preparing the Lord’s Supper, we are taking care of things from above.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Gal 5:22-23). I would like to highlight one of the fruits of the spirit, kindness, and talk about a brother, Fonseca, the greatest example of kindness I have ever seen on earth. He fought the good fight and left a legacy, three daughters and his wife, with the same good heart. With my own eyes, I saw him buy a bag of food and give it to a family who needed it. His kindness was always immense. Anyone who knew him has to hold back tears when talking about him. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal 6:9-10).

We must always do good to everyone, especially those in the family of faith (Gal 6:10). In fact, it is something which should not need to be mentioned it should be inherent to who we are like in the stadiums where the Japanese collect the garbage without anyone asking.

And think of Jesus, who had all the fruit of the Spirit? With His kindness and mercy, after a life of sacrifice, He died for me and for you. May we keep our minds on things above in preparation for His return!

Written byLiliana Henríquez, volunteer for Iron Rose Sisters Ministries in Colombia

One of the most challenging tasks for a human being is to let go of egocentrism and adopt a position of total surrender to God. We mistakenly believe we are all-powerful, but the truth is that nothing moves without God’s will.

When we look at the life of Jesus, we see that He was obedient in everything, even though, humanly speaking, He faced the unimaginable pain of crucifixion. Who would willingly offer himself to endure such intense physical suffering as dying on a cross? Jesus did! And because of this, you and I don’t have to pay for our sins—we have eternal life. In the pivotal moment of His death, Jesus fully surrendered to God and His will, saying, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Lk 23:46, NIV).

In our daily lives, we must “crucify ourselves” repeatedly, or in other words, set aside our own desires and make sacrifices for a higher good. 

We set aside our desires to prioritize those of our partner...

We set aside our rest to choose to play with our children...

We set aside our comfort to serve others with love...

We set aside what we want and focus on fulfilling God’s calling for our lives.

In the spiritual realm, things operate under the principle of total surrender to God. Those of us who have accepted Christ as Lord understand that we no longer live to satisfy our own desires, but to fulfill Christ’s (Gal 2:20). We know that those who want to be exalted must humble themselves. Those who want to be served must serve. Those who want to be loved must love. Those who want to receive must give.

This doesn’t mean we always agree with God’s plans. Often, we don’t. In fact, many times, we feel upset because we don’t understand why He asks us to do things that seem “illogical” or outside our comfort zone. However, a true servant of God surrenders because she knows WHOM she is serving and follows the example of Jesus on the cross saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Lk 22:42).

A true servant does her part with a surrendered heart and in complete obedience to God—and lets God be God. We don’t need to understand everything God does, but we do need to do everything He calls us to because that’s the commitment we made when we decided to be His disciples.

Is your life fully surrendered to the will of God?

Written byMichelle J. Goff, Founder and Executive Director of Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas 

The first time I heard the phrase “She did what she could”, I thought it was a placating remark delivered with a shrug of the shoulders and an “oh well” attitude. When I learned it was a Bible verse, then the context of the verse, not to mention the way in which Jesus honored this woman’s actions, “She did what she could” became a frequently repeated phrase filled with depth of meaning.

This story is told in all four of the gospels. John reveals the woman’s name (12:3); while in the other three, she remains anonymous. Let’s read Mark’s account:

While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.

“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”(Mk 14:3-9 NIV)

She did what she could. She honored Jesus by anointing Him as the perfect lamb sacrifice.

Jesus could’ve used the same expression when He chastised the rich, honoring the poor widow who put two small coins into the offering.

No one can do it all. It takes everyone doing their part. God created us to be different members of the body with Christ as the head (1Co 12). Paul states to the Ephesians that the body cannot function well unless “each part does its work” (Eph 4:16).

It is easy for us to fall into the comparison trap because we wish we could serve, give, pray, teach, or sing like someone else. She did what she could.

To practice like wise women is to do what we can, when we can, to the best of our ability, through Him who gives us strength (Php 4:13). We are merely instruments in the Lord’s hands to bring about His good and perfect will. 

There is grace in the expression, “She did what she could,” because God did not call me to do what He called that woman over there to do. It is up to her to be obedient to our heavenly Father and do what she can do. 

Throughout the seasons of my life, my actions of obedience and submission, sacrifice, and service have looked very different. As they should. My 13-year-old self did what she could by dying to herself and putting on Christ in baptism, proclaiming Him to be the Lord of my life. My 26-year-old self moved to Venezuela to live and work with a new church plant as a missionary. My 36-year-old self quit her job, sold her house, and launched Iron Rose Sister Ministries. 

Those are the “glory stories” of when I did what I could—the leaps of faith and steps of obedience. The highlight reel may look amazing, but it does not reflect, for example, the difficulty of getting out of bed on time each Sunday morning to make it to church. “She did what she could” sometimes faces the frustration of a never-ending checklist, an ill-spoken word, a forgotten birthday, a missed opportunity, a sin committed, or precious time wasted.

God’s mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness! His Son already did what He could and paid the price as the perfect sacrifice (Ro 5:6-11). It is now our privilege and honor to do our part in the Kingdom. 

Sisters, during this month, let’s do what we can— whether in our relationships with God or with one another, through greater involvement with Iron Rose Sister Ministries, by organizing a fundraising event to benefit our Ambassadors Program, starting a new small group… the possibilities are endless! We invite you to hear the words Jesus spoke to honor His precious daughter in Mark 14:8, “She did what she could.”

What is God calling you to do?

How can we encourage or equip you to “do what you can do”?

Is there a thorn hindering you from doing what you can? 

Reach out to an Iron Rose Sister and work together to do what you can!

Written by Ayane Nayara, Brazil Assistant for Iron Rose Sister Ministries

In the northeast region of Brazil, where I live, we are in the time of year when the fruit trees are full of their fruit. It's a beautiful sight to see; our eyes are filled with the beauty of each fruit, with its different shape and color. After this season, the farmers who care for these trees have the job of cleaning them, removing dead branches and leaves, and adding fertilizer, preparing them for the following seasons so that, in due time, they will bear fruit again.

I once lived in a house with a huge mango tree in the yard. It was beautiful. When I first moved in, I thought, "I'll eat plenty of mangoes when the time is right." The time for that mango tree to bloom came, and it did, just like all the others in the region, but when the time came for the flowers to turn into fruit, they began to fall. While all the mango trees I saw around the city were laden with fruit, the one in my yard was empty. I found out that my tree hadn't borne fruit for years.

Jesus often used illustrations from agriculture and fishing to teach people about the message of the Kingdom and the Gospel, and I particularly enjoy these illustrations because I appreciate this way of life. On two occasions (Jn 15:1-6 and Lk 13:6-9), He tells His disciples two parables. The first is about the true vine, and the second about a fig tree that did not bear fruit. Reading them allowed me to reflect on some points that I want to share with you.

1. If you or I are not bearing fruit, we should repent (Lk 13:6-9)!

We were called to be part of a Kingdom where each one plays their role, and that is a privilege. We were dying, useless branches that by ourselves were incapable of producing anything, and we were connected to a tree that made us capable of producing fruit. So, let's bear fruit! God has given us, through Christ, a new chance, and we cannot waste it. We cannot occupy a space that could be filled by someone who would bear fruit, without bearing any fruit at all. We must be fruitful! Or we will be like that mango tree in my yard, blossoming – pretending that we will bear fruit, but that fruit never comes to be (Col 1:21-23).

2. We need to be pruned of our old habits so that we can bear more fruit, and better fruit (Jn 15:2).

And that is exactly what God wants to do with each of us who are in Christ--To prune us so that we may be more fruitful. But what would this pruning entail?

The Greek term for pruning is also used for cleansing. God, our Father, wants to cleanse us. The reason a farmer prunes trees, removing dead branches and leaves, is so that the plant doesn't waste its energy and nutrients on things that are not worth cultivating and that hinder the growth of the fruit. God wants to cleanse us of what can hinder our fruitfulness. Surely there are some twigs of sin in our hearts that drain our energy and hinder our growth, and that is exactly what God wants to remove from our hearts.

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (1Pe 1:23 NIV)

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. (1Pe 2:1-2)

3. There is no other way to bear fruit except by remaining in Jesus Christ (Jn 15:5).

We can observe that while Jesus speaks to His disciples in John 15:1-6, He repeats the word "remain" at least six times. Clearly, He wanted to convey to them the importance of this attitude. To bear fruit and continue to be cleansed by our great Gardener, we need to remain in Christ. There is no other way to grow. We are incapable of producing anything or even sustaining ourselves alone. Without Christ, we are nothing more than dry and dead branches.

Finally, sisters, God expects from us what we were called to do – bear fruit. This work is a two-way street: our surrender in allowing ourselves to be cleansed and used by our Gardener, and His work in us, pruning and cleansing our hearts of all that hinders our development.

Reflect:
What is hindering the growth of your fruit and needs pruning? Are you willing for this pruning to happen?

Written by Jocelynn Goff, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries and mother of Michelle J. Goff

When Jesus was asked what is the greatest command, He replied, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mk 12:30 NIV).

If this is the greatest command, how do we keep the commitment to do this day in and day out, moment by moment? For this blog, I’m going to focus on just the strength aspect of this command.

When I’ve taken personality tests, I usually test very high for loyalty. This can make my strength of commitment in some areas easier, as it’s more natural for me. However! There are still people and situations where my loyalty personality trait will never be enough. Then I am challenged to need help to keep my commitment and sometimes quite honestly my sanity as well.

In situations such as this, how do I keep my commitment? Where do I draw my commitment from? My answer should always be that I look to the LORD and His Word because He promises to answer. This promise is found in Psalms 29:11, “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.”

As a matter of fact, He is looking for those to whom to give His strength. I find this promise in 2 Chronicles 16:9: “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

So, my first thought and action should be to look to my LORD for strength. He promises it to me as His child and I should take advantage of that fact and depend on it, especially, as my own strength is often not enough to meet the challenge of commitment to love my LORD with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. My own heart, soul, mind, and strength will fail. A Biblical example of this is Peter. Jesus warns Peter that his commitment will fail, but gives him hope. This hope is expressed in Luke 22:32 when Jesus says, “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Peter was tested and failed but Jesus knew he’d turn back. Then Jesus gave Peter a job to do—to strengthen his brothers.

Also, we can have trusted, Godly friends to help strengthen us. As I become aware of a deficit in my strength, I can ask for help from a trusted prayer warrior friend. However, it’s easy to reach out to that friend first before I reach out in prayer for God’s strength. So recently I’ve been challenging myself to pray first about a situation before I call one of my prayer warrior friends. This puts me in the right frame of mind, directs my focus and perspective, and gives me His wisdom and His perspective. Just as Peter was urged to do, my friends can help strengthen me but I’ve made it a priority to seek The LORD first before reaching out to my friends. After all, it’s His strength and energy that I need. Colossians 1:29 speaks of “…strenuously contend[ing] with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.”

The apostle Paul understood where his ability to be content in any and every situation came from when he said, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Php 4:13).

When I receive His strength to fulfill my commitment, then I’m rejoicing. I’m writing it in my journal. I’m telling my God story to others. I’m singing much as 1 Chronicles 16:9 says, “Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.” Specific songs that come to mind include the lyrics of The Goodness of God by Jenn Johnson and Bethel Music. “All my life You have been faithful. All my life You have been so, so good. With every breath that I am able I will sing of the goodness of God.” Another one is Everlasting God written by Chris Tomlin. “Strength will rise as we wait upon The Lord, wait upon the Lord.”

What are the challenges that are weakening your strength of commitment to our LORD? Remember, the promise in Psalms 29:11, “The LORD gives strength to his people.” So, He’s ready, willing, and faithful to provide the strength you need.

Written by Eliuth de Valencia, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colombia

Some events that come our way are outside of our plans. In my case—my conversion, my marriage, my help in the ministry, living in a foreign land—none of these were planned, although I desired to do everything right. Throughout my 43 years, when I have been troubled and doubtful, I kept a strong conviction that God was in control.

Scripture doesn't give us much information about David’s circumstances when he wrote Psalm 37, but we can be sure he felt his enemies were winning. Throughout much of the Psalm, the shepherd-king seems to be reflecting on the consequences that will come to the wicked. In verse 5 of Psalm 37, he gives us an answer to what we can do to secure this promise: "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act" (ESV).

This causes me to reflect on the moments of unexpected pain and uncertainty which have strengthened my commitment to Christ so much that they cultivated a peaceful heart in the midst of a turbulent world. I hope you can develop such meditation in this psalm so that these thoughts will be a part of you as you surrender your plans to God.

Surely, when we look around and see the wickedness of this world, we see evildoers. You may see their actions when you watch or listen to the news, at home, at work, or even at church. Are there evildoers in the church? Unfortunately, there are. In my observation, there are people who, instead of centering their lives on Christ, do what they want, even bad and sinful things. So what do we do?

I recognize that this passage is about those of us who are prone to anger, hyperventilation, stress, and anxiety. Suddenly, a kind of anger begins to boil within me that, if I don't handle it God's way, can express itself in ways of speaking and acting that are not pleasing to the Lord. "To be easily irritated can lead me to do evil" (Ps. 37:8 paraphrased).

If you become irritated in response to evil, you can become an evildoer, just like the one who caused you the initial irritation. We want to avoid acting in the same way that people who irritate us do. Then David tells us:

"Fret not yourself" (v.1) Instead, we should look up to God.
"Trust in the Lord and do good" (v.3).
"Commit your way to the Lord" (v.5). He will act on our behalf.
"Trust quietly in the Lord and wait patiently for him." Verses 5, 6, 7, and 8 again talk about looking up.

With a firm resolution not to be irritated and a future full of confidence in the actions of my Lord, whether here on earth or on the day of judgment, all wrongs will be corrected. Things are going to work out. They're going to change in God's timing. God is in control.

"Fret not yourself because of evildoers." Don't stress. “Be not envious of wrongdoers" (v.1), "For they will soon fade like the grass" (v.2). “For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land” (v.9).

Notice the contrast between the future of evildoers and the future of the meek and righteous. What is the psalmist saying? You don't just have to look up; you have to look forward—the promise may be delayed. Think long-term about God's sovereignty and plans. Look to the future. Don't just look at the here and now. Look forward by faith, and God tells you what He will do.

And, by the way, you should look into your heart if you find yourself making bad choices or living an evil, ungodly, sinful life. If your life is not committed to Christ and you resist His lordship in any area of your life, then you are living wickedly. If we don’t repent and accept His grace, things look grim for our future.

But Psalm 37 is a very encouraging passage for those being crushed by the wicked today. Keep your eyes on the goal. Remember what's going to happen. This will help you not get irritated, but trust in the Lord. Remember, looking at life from the perspective of eternity helps us face and endure the hardships and injustices of this life.

Grace and peace.