Written by Alina Stout, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Oklahoma

We chose to commit our hearts to God. Good! Now, are we guarding our hearts from whatever might try to take it from God?

Let us think about Solomon, a man who was faithful in his earlier years of life but who turned his heart away from God as he grew older.

Solomon was born because of God’s mercy. His father was David, and his mother was Bathsheba. David had Bathsheba’s husband killed after having an affair with her. As a consequence, God did not allow their first child to live (2Sa 11-12). However, once David repented (2Sa 12:13, Ps 51), God allowed them to have a second child named Solomon (2Sa 12:24).

God loved Solomon, and Solomon loved God (2Sa 12, 1 Ki 3:3). God appeared to Solomon one night in a dream to encourage him to ask for a gift. Solomon, out of humility, asked for a wise and discerning heart. God granted him this and much more, including wealth and honor (1 Ki 3:5-15).

God gave Solomon one condition: “If you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life” (1Ki 3:14, NIV).

Solomon built the temple of God (1Ki 5-6). Out of humility, he prayed that God would let His Name dwell there. God answered and rested His Name on the temple. (1Ki 9, 2Ch 7).

God reiterates to Solomon His one condition: “If you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart…I will establish your royal throne over Israel…But if you…serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them” (1Ki 9:4-7).

We expect Solomon to be thankful for God’s blessings and to glorify God. But something changed. Solomon, despite having a discerning heart, made a mistake that would turn his heart away from God.

As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.(1Ki 11:4)

Solomon married 700 women of royal birth and had 300 concubines. Some of these women were Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites. He allowed his wives to worship their own gods and began to worship their gods, too (1Ki 11:1-3).

Three gods are mentioned by name: 1-Chemosh, the god of the Moabites, was a god of war who would grant victory in battle to those who sacrificed to him (Jdg 11). 2-Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians, was also called the Queen of Heaven. She was a goddess of fertility and was Baal’s wife (Jer 44). 3-Molek, the god of the Ammonites, was worshiped through child sacrifice (Lev 18:21). Solomon’s devotion to his wives became a devotion to success, fertility, and child sacrifice. Once Solomon introduced these gods to Israel, Israel continued to worship them for generations (1Ki 11:33).

Solomon is an example of someone whose heart was committed to God but whose commitment became divided. He did not guard his heart, and both he and Israel would face the consequences of their actions. If only Solomon had listened to his own wisdom in Proverbs: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Pr 4:23).

God was angry with Solomon, and He told him that the kingdom of Israel would be torn in two (1Ki 11:9-11). Unlike his father David, Solomon did not repent. In a sad irony, David’s repentance allowed Solomon to live, but Solomon’s lack of repentance led to the downfall of the entire nation of Israel.

Despite Solomon’s actions, God mercifully promised to save one tribe of Israel and Jerusalem (1Ki 11:12-13). That tribe, Judah, is the tribe that Jesus was from.

There are two lessons that can be learned from Solomon’s life.
     1. Guard your heart for God from anyone or anything else that might try to steal it.
     2. God’s heart is committed to you.

In order to keep our hearts committed to God, we need to frequently evaluate our own lives to see whether we are letting anything else lead our hearts astray. Lean on your Iron Rose Sisters through this process.

What do you need to let go of so that you can let God have your whole heart?

Written byJuaneylla White, Iron Rose Sister Ministries Board Member in Texas

How do we follow in His steps today? I have been asked this question before.

I think that in their journey with the Eternal One, many people also ask themselves: how can I follow in the steps of Jesus? However, only an honest introspection of how we are walking towards eternity drives us to turn the key within ourselves and seek a more assertive direction, turning our hearts to listen to the voice of our Shepherd. 

In John 10:27, Jesus declares, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (NIV). I was not always a sheep, but from a very early age, the seed of faith had been planted in my heart. It took almost two decades, since my early years of life, for me to understand that to be a sheep, I needed to let Jesus be my shepherd and that to follow in His footsteps, I needed to calculate how much this decision would cost me.

I needed to understand that the false gods needed to leave my heart so that Jesus could enter and reign — that I was one of those gods with my own will and righteousness that in reality were just filthy rags (Isa 64:6). I also needed to understand that in addition to repenting and recognizing my desperate need for a Savior, I needed to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow Him day by day.

For me, following in the footsteps of Jesus has always meant walking as He walked. It seems simple, but it’s not so easy when human nature wants to speak louder and fights against the spirit. Living life in obedience to the Word of God means submitting to His will for my life. I see that this is much more than following rules or completing a weekly checklist, but rather a daily lifestyle that not only pleases God, but represents Him, glorifies Him, and imitates Him not only in what suits me but in what most challenges my human and carnal side.

It is renouncing myself and seeking sanctification daily. It is being aware that if I fall, there is a hand that can lift me up; there is a new beginning because God's forgiveness is waiting for me. Following in the steps of Jesus is definitely going against the grain of a fallen society that is separated from God, understanding that my journey (or that of any sincere Christian) towards heaven is not easy, but it is possible because of Christ and His Holy Spirit that lives within me. It is understanding that I am in this world, but I am not from here. It is being like a child in His purity without being childish, rather serving Him with understanding and discernment in my heart and mind. The more I seek Him, the more I know Him, and the more intimacy and communion I have and desire.

The enemy has always used strategies to divert us from God’s purpose and destroy us, so Jesus came on our behalf to destroy the works of the devil and give us life, and life in abundance (Jn 10:10). Following in His steps is having the privilege of being a Christian, of being chosen, of being a beloved, redeemed, proven daughter, a representative of heaven, a messenger of His Word.It is serving and loving my neighbor without falling into the trap of performance or “deserving.” It is living as someone whose purpose in life is eternal things, knowing that I am a pilgrim here and that my homeland is heaven and that is where my treasure is; that is where those are who left me a legacy of faith in Christ. Following in His steps is walking in obedience and submission in the certainty that as a co-heir of Christ, one day I will be in His presence sitting at His table, enjoying full communion where I will see Him face to face.

Following in the steps of Jesus in obedience has been and continues to be the best and most important choice that I make every day, simply because I love Him! 

Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. (Jn 14:21a)

My desire is to continue following the Lord and encourage others to do the same. May God help us!

Written by Ana Cardoso, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Ecuador

The Word of God says: “For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Ps 100:5 NIV).

Currently, the concept of love is totally distorted by the world, compared to the love that God teaches us. The love we learn from the world is based on the law of giving and receiving in which for you to receive, it is necessary to give. Often, we Christians follow this pattern.

God's love is eternal, faithful, and incomparable. Many times in my life, I have come to doubt God's love, thinking that because I had given in to sin, God would no longer love me and that perhaps He was tired of my excuses, but I have learned over these 19 years that God's faithfulness never ends. He loves me so much and never fails me. Even knowing this, I continue to make mistakes, yet He continues to love me and teach me about His infinite faithfulness. I often compare myself to the people of Israel, who disobeyed God again and again, and I see that God remained faithful to the Israelites, and still does to us to this day.

But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. (Dt 7:8-9)

If, like me, you feel that God is no longer willing to forgive you for the sins you have committed, remember what John said: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1Jn 1:9). This is one of the promises that God made to us; we just have to confess our sin and believe in the Word.

In 2023, I was in a training program for young missionaries, and at the end of the year, I discovered that my missionary field would be in another country. At the time I didn't have a single dollar saved to buy the ticket. It was at that moment that I saw that God never abandoned me and remained faithful, even if I didn't deserve it. There were days when I let despair overcome me and I didn't remember who was on my side. It was a unique experience where I was able to have the pleasure of seeing the power of God. As I said, I fail with my faithfulness, but God has never failed and will never fail.

Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. (2Tm 2:11-13)

Dear sisters, I encourage you to seek to know more about God's love and faithfulness, and most importantly, put it into practice. After I started looking more into this, my perspective changed when I saw challenges appearing before me. Now I can say that I finally understand that God's faithfulness has always reached me, and it reaches you, too.

No one can be perfectly faithful, but our God can! When we are not faithful, He remains faithful because He maintains consistency. And, if God is faithful, we have confidence that we will receive the reward He promised us.

Written by Deanna Brooks, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

When I was growing up, my daddy sometimes told me, “It’s hard to hear God’s voice when you’ve already decided what you want Him to say.”

The Hebrew writer tells us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb 12:1 ESV).

Picture a runner strapping on ankle weights and a heavy backpack just before an important race. Do you think he will have a good race? This is what the author of Hebrews is talking about when he tells us to lay aside that which can slow us down.

Sin is a weight that slows down or interrupts our walk with Jesus.

We all know how difficult it is to talk to someone through a closed door. When we talk to or listen to our Heavenly Father, we need the door open wide with nothing to hinder communication.

Sin is a barrier…like a closed door…between us and God.

1. Sin often comes with pride…and pride prevents us from listening because we want to be in control. We may have decided what we want God to say.
2. Sin deceives us into thinking God has moved away from us and no longer cares.
3. Indifference, fear, or shame about our sin will close our ears to His voice. The evil one wants us to concentrate on our sin. However, God has told us to give our sin to Him, and He will wash it away.

Contrast the response of Adam and Eve with David when each were confronted about sin. Adam and Eve were afraid and hid. David responded, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2Sa 12:13 NIV).

Have you experienced the pain of avoiding a friend because of “something” that happened?

Now, let’s apply that to our relationship with God. Whether it is an obvious sin that we are aware of, or we’ve simply quit putting God first in our lives and we know things aren’t right, we feel the barrier, and we are no longer hearing Him.

The prophet Habakkuk wrote: “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing” (Hab 1:13). Our Heavenly Father wants us to avoid sin.

The most important thing we need to remember is God will never leave us. We find this promise throughout Scripture. We find it first in Deuteronomy 31:8: “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Our God pursues us to protect us from sin.

Sin is always the barrier that separates us from feeling connected to God.

Isaiah wrote: “Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God” (Isa 59:2 ESV).

God knew this and understood it. This is why He tells us over and over in Scripture to bring our sins before Him so we can be cleansed.

Think on the following Scriptures…about how they give us hope and assurance:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1Jn 1:9 NIV).

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Rom 8:1,2).

“The blood of Jesus, his Son purifies us from all sin” (1Jn 1:7).

“But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One” (1Jn 2:1). Jesus, our Redeemer, is standing beside us as we approach the Father.

With those promises that show the Father’s loving-kindness towards His people, we need to ask ourselves what we are involved in that may hinder us from hearing the words of our Heavenly Father.

Written by Karla Dourado, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in João Pessoa, Brazil

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col 3:17 NIV)

Gratitude is an attitude that transforms lives and the way we relate to each other and to God. Words are important. They can edify, encourage, and convert. But true gratitude goes beyond what we say—it is demonstrated by our actions. James 2:17 says that faith without works is dead. Therefore, gratitude must be shown through our attitude.

Gratitude is action: Serving others, helping someone in need, or even carrying out community tasks are good examples of how we can manifest what 1 Peter 4:10 says: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.”

Colossians 3:17 invites us to reflect on the way we live our daily lives and the importance of recognizing and thanking God in every aspect of it, recognizing the blessings we receive, even in the smallest things. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1Th 5:18).

As I write, I remember the times when I went through difficulty in an area of ​​life: I could only focus on the problem. For some time now, I have been trying to practice gratitude. With this change in mindset, I have been able to defocus from the problem and see lessons for myself that I can share with others.

It was a simple choice, but it has had a huge impact on my life and consequently on those around me.

The depth of this biblical guidance continues to impact my life. The idea that everything I do must be done in the name of the Lord makes me realize that I need to be constantly vigilant so that what I say and what I do are aligned because this represents the faith I profess.

Two years ago, something happened in my life—a really challenging moment. Before, I would have let impulsiveness dominate me... but for two years I have been asking God: How can I act in this situation in the name of Jesus? With this, I have been choosing patience and empathy, rather than anger and guilt.

Instead of getting into arguments, I now choose to wait for God to act, with gratitude for everything that happened in these two years. It is not easy, but it is not impossible when we let the Lord direct us. Breathing and letting God act is rewarding, even amid difficulties.

Today, I can see God's care unfolding in every situation and I can thank Him with sincerity from my heart.

I encourage everyone who reads these brief words to be grateful in any circumstance and experience God's care no matter how complicated the situation seems to be.

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

At the end of a year, we tend to reflect on what we have done well and what we have done poorly. Maybe it hasn’t been about our actions, but rather our attitudes or words.

The New Year’s resolutions made a year ago may be revisited with frustration and regret, joy and gratefulness, or an apathetic shrug. Others may laugh as those best-laid plans flew straight out the window when (fill in the blank) tragedy happened.

As I reflect on the past year, I can choose to remember the moments that highlight my faults, the circumstances that were outside of my control, or the ways that God worked through them. And I can trust that God will continue to work through all things to bring about good (Ro 8:28).

As humans, we fail to maintain the 100% commitment to Christ that He maintains with us. But God knew that already. And He loves us anyway.

As a ministry, we chose to focus on being “committed to Christ,” taken from Paul’s words to the Philippians.

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (Php 3:7-11 ESV)

Over the course of the year, through our blog posts, you have heard stories from the Bible and testimonies of women committed to Christ, to prayer, and to the resurrection. They described what it means to be a committed disciple and have a committed heart through a committed life. Most recently, we learned about being committed to one another and to giving thanks.

Back in October, we celebrated what it means to be Committed to Listen: Forty Days of Dedication and invited everyone in English, Spanish, and Portuguese to practice that principle through the listening exercises. No matter when, where, what, or how we listen, we commit to listen to Who defines our why.

The book of Colossians has provided a backdrop for several in-person and virtual events emphasizing our commitment to Christ who is in all, above all, through all, and without whom our commitment to Him would be impossible.

A special thank you to our committed volunteers, prayer warriors, and financial partners, not to mention our amazing team and board members, who have all demonstrated their commitment to Christ through their commitment to our vision: equipping women to connect to God and one another more deeply.

For 2025, we are taking the next step in our priority of being committed to Christ. We will expound upon what it looks like to be a committed follower or disciple of Christ… to put His words into practice and “Practice like a Wise Woman” (Mt 7:24).

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

“Come, Lord Jesus!” is my frequent cry, longing for deliverance from the struggles of this world. The burdens of this life—on a personal, familial, congregational, and global level—are overwhelming and daunting. When my thoughts are focused on these afflictions, I lose sight of the eternal perspective. I forget that these are only “light and momentary troubles” (2Co 4:17 NIV).

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (2Co 4:16-18 ESV)

I am grateful for the hope of the eternal. God is eternal—the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:8). We are invited into the eternal, which He has set in our hearts (Ecc 3:11 NIV). When we “live by faith, not by sight” (2Co 5:7), we taste the eternal and trust the One who sees what we cannot (2Ki 6:17-20; Eph 6:12).

Your word, Lord, is eternal;


it stands firm in the heavens.


Your faithfulness continues through all generations. (Ps 119:89-90a)

I am grateful that I can be set free from sin and death. This broken world is subject to the consequences of sin: death and destruction. And each of us individually is subject to the same. We are wrapped up in sin and death. They consume us as an inescapable law (Ro 8:2), but that does not have to be the end of our story.

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Ro 7:24-25a)

I am grateful for the hope of the resurrection. When we are united with Christ in His death and burial, through baptism, we are invited into the resurrection (Ro 6:1-7). I can have a new life (2Co 5:17). I can be renewed every morning (La 3:23).

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. (Ro 6:5)

I am grateful for deliverance—now and forever. When I die to myself, I am delivered from the traps that the accuser throws in my path. I walk in newness of life. Satan and death have already been conquered by Christ (Ro 8:1, 37). Through Christ, I am redeemed from the lies that swirl in my mind, fueled by the father of lies (Jn 8:44). The Spirit empowers me to take captive every thought (2Co 10:5).

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2Co 10:3-5)

I am grateful to share the good news with others and share in their joy (Mt 28:18-20).

When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. (Ac 8:39)

I am grateful for the Word of Life and the Spirit that reminds me of Truth, especially when I am burdened by this life (Jn 1:1, 14:6).

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. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (Jn 14:26-27)

Through Christ Jesus our Lord, there are countless things for which we can give thanks. What are you grateful for today?

Written by Deanna Brooks, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

After the Israelites left Egypt, God told them:

You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God. (Ex 20:3-5a ESV)

We don’t know when man first turned to idols, but Joshua tells us, “Long ago, your fathers lived beyond the Euphrates, Terah, the father of Abraham and of Nahor; and they served other gods” (Jos 24:2b).

Later, when Jacob took his family back to his homeland, Laban came after them, accusing them of stealing his gods (Ge 31). In Genesis 35, Jacob tells his household to put away all their foreign gods and purify themselves, Then, they go to Bethel to build an altar to the LORD, whom Jacob affirmed had been with him wherever he had gone.

In Egypt, the Israelites were exposed to the gods of the Egyptians, so when God led His people out of slavery, He wanted them to understand there is one God.

The Israelites were constantly tempted to worship the gods of surrounding peoples. It was not until the Babylonian captivity that the Israelites became mono-theistic. That captivity cured them of worshipping idols.

What do we think of when we hear the word “idol”? A simple definition is anything or anyone that we love and desire more than God, our Heavenly Father, our Creator.

Jesus addressed this desire when He said: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Mt 5:6).

Most of us know what it is to be hungry and thirsty. Jesus wants us to have that same longing for righteousness.

So, what becomes an idol in our lives? Bowing down to a golden calf is not something most of us do, but is it possible we have other things that take the place of God?

It is sometimes said that there is a “God-shaped hole” in our hearts, and we seek to fill that hole. Satan tempts us to fill that hole with something other than God. People attempt to fill that hole with family, job, money, possessions, and many other things, but only God can give the peace and fulfillment that fills the heart.

When Jesus was talking to His disciples in the upper room, He told them, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (Jn 14:27).

A few minutes later He prayed, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one” (Jn 17:15).

We live in the world, and many things attempt to take our focus off of Jesus, of doing His will, of making Him LORD of our life.

When we hunger and thirst after righteousness, striving to do God’s will, the peace Jesus left will fill our hearts.

In 1772, William Cowper penned the words to “O for a Closer Walk with God.” One of the stanzas reads:
         The dearest idol I have known,
         Whate’er that idol be
         Help me to tear it from Thy throne,
         And worship only Thee.

We turn our hearts toward God, seeking His righteousness to fill our hearts. Second Chronicles 12:14 says of Rehoboam, “He did not set his heart to seek the Lord.”

The question we need to answer is, “Do I value anything more than my relationship with my Heavenly Father and my Redeemer?” If we answer “yes,“ what changes do we need to make so we hunger and thirst for righteousness?

Written by Liliana Henríquez, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colombia

In the previous blog post, I told you that sometimes there are situations or people that we turn into idols that end up occupying God's place in our hearts, our minds, and even our agenda. That's a serious mistake! As Christians, our priority should be God and following Him, not other things.

I am very fond of remembering the promise in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (NIV). God promises us that if we seek Him, He is faithful to give us what we need. The challenge is to understand that the peace and joy that God offers us is far greater than that offered by the world. It is also important to remind ourselves that we need God's support to be able to cope with life's challenges—not something we can do with our own strength.

A job, a husband, children... they will never be able to fill the space that only God can fill.

In June 2023, I received an invitation to support a mission project in another country for a couple of weeks. That really got me excited! However, there was a "small" problem... my passport was expired. What a great frustration! However, I remember that Matthew 6:31-33 came to my mind and gave me strength. I like how it appears in the Easy-to-Read Version:

Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need. (ERV, emphasis added)

A relevant fact that I must share is that I am Venezuelan and I live in Colombia. At that time, there was no Venezuelan consulate in all of Colombia, so the only way to get the passport was to go to Venezuela, stay for a month or two there until my passport was ready, and come back. And that definitely wasn't an option for me.

So I, in my conversations with God, asked Him: How am I going to get my passport if there hasn't been a consulate in Colombia for five years?

I answered myself, based on verse 32: Liliana, only those who do not know God try to achieve these things by their own means. Take it easy.

That same month, the first Venezuelan consulate in Colombia opened its doors (Miracle 1). It was located in the city of Cúcuta, which is 16 hours by bus from Bogotá (where I live). I got my appointment very quickly and without difficulty (Miracle 2). I went in August and the whole process was successful. Now all that was left was to hand over the passport. Since the consulate had just started operations, they had not enabled the option of sending the new passport to other cities. So as soon as I was notified that the passport was already printed, I traveled to Cúcuta again to pick it up. In October, I returned home happy with my new passport, ready to be used (Miracle 3).

On that occasion, I confirmed once again that when we obey God, He takes care of providing and opening doors that may have been closed for years. All He asks of us is that we truly commit to Him and make Him our priority.

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

A first-century Hebrew legend states that a good disciple is covered in the dust of the Rabbi. He follows his teacher’s steps so closely that he cannot escape the dust kicked up by his sandals.

A wise woman who practices closely following the steps of Jesus (1Pe 2:21) will be covered in the dust of the Rabbi. What will she look like?

1. She will love God and seek Him first (Mt 6:33, 22:37).
2. She will be known for Christ’s love in her (Jn 13:35).
3. She will talk with God at all hours (Lk 6:12).
4. She will openly express her feelings to God through prayer (Mt 26:42).
5. She will ask for the support of others (Mt 26:37-38).
6. She will serve others (Mt 20:28).
7. She will be holy: set apart for a purpose (2Pe 1:16).

This is not an exhaustive list. What other characteristics come to mind that a follower of Christ would “pick up” in the dust of the Rabbi? 

The more we walk with Him and talk with Him, the more like Christ we will become. Acts 4:13 is one of my favorite verses because it was obvious to others that two simple, ordinary men had been with Jesus.  

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.(NIV)

 Can you recall a moment in which it was obvious to others that you had been spending time with Jesus?

At the end of a women’s retreat, after a time of worship on Sunday morning, after a Bible class digging deep into the Word, after an intensive time in prayer… any time we can spend in relationship with our Teacher will become the overflow from which we live, act, and speak. Jesus spoke with His Father frequently so that His words would always be an accurate representation of His Father (Jn 12:49).

One Wednesday night, my mom was on the phone with a friend who commented on how exhausted my mom sounded, recognizing how discouraged she was about a situation. “I am tired,” mom admitted, “but I need to go on into the church building. Thanks for your prayers.” 

Mom called the friend back after the evening services, and her friend observed, “Wow! You sound like a different person. Are you still tired? I can tell you were truly uplifted by the time with other Christians.”

When we walk in the dust of the Rabbi, we also have the blessing of spending time with others who are “dusty.” None of us walk the Christian walk perfectly. We are practicing. When one falls, another is there to pick us up (Ecc 4:10). And the closer we each follow in the Rabbi’s steps, the deeper we grow in relationship with one another. A wise woman who practices following closely in the steps of the Rabbi will walk with other disciples who are following Jesus. 

Connecting to God and one another more deeply, equipping other women to do so… sounds like a great idea for a women’s ministry!  

How do you want to grow closer to Jesus, walking in the dust of the Rabbi?

What is a thorn hindering you from following in His steps?

How can you have another Iron Rose Sister encourage or accompany you to “get dusty”? Thank each other for the opportunity to serve as iron sharpening iron as we practice following in the steps of the Rabbi.

Written by Marbella Parra, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Honduras

Gratitude is a powerful virtue that often goes unnoticed in the midst of our busy lives. However, gratitude not only transforms our perspective, but it also invites us to experience deep joy, just as the apostle Paul teaches.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Php 4:4 NIV)

Paul does not call us to rejoice when all is going well or only on happy days. He invites us to rejoice always, a term that includes both times of joy and sorrow. This attitude of gratitude is an intentional decision that uplifts the soul and opens the door to authentic joy. It is here that thankfulness becomes a powerful tool to connect with the peace and joy that only God can give.

I must admit that, in my life today, gratitude is not something that flows naturally. I'm at a point where daily responsibilities and challenges have led me to feel overwhelmed. There are days when, even though I know God is present, it seems hard to see the reasons to rejoice. I find myself constantly struggling with frustration and burnout, and Philippians 4:4 feels like a challenge that I still can't fully meet.

However, I'm in the process of working on it. Recently, I decided to start practicing intentional thankfulness. I started a gratitude journal, although I have to admit that it has been harder than I thought. There are days when I feel too tired or worried to see anything positive. However, I am committed to trying every day. Sometimes, the list is limited to very simple things: a moment of silence, a ray of sunshine in the morning, or a message from a loved one. I don't always manage to write down three things, but even with just one small thing, I try to remember that this is part of my effort to live the call to always rejoice.

This exercise has shown me that thankfulness is not something I necessarily feel right away; it's rather a practice I'm trying to cultivate. Although I have not attained that full, constant joy that Paul describes, I have noticed small glimpses of change in my attitude. I realize that when I make an effort to be grateful, no matter how small the reason, my day takes on a slightly different tone. It's not that my problems go away, but I feel a small spark of peace that gives me the strength to keep going.

This stage of my life has taught me that gratitude does not always arise spontaneously; Sometimes, it is a conscious decision. Choosing to be thankful in difficult times does not mean ignoring problems but recognizing that, even in the midst of adversity, I can find reasons to rejoice. When I focus on what God has done and continues to do, even if it is still a challenge, I discover that thankfulness can be the channel that will lead me to a fuller, more joyful life.

Paul understood this very well. Despite writing from prison, he was filled with gratitude and joy. He knew the transformative power of thankfulness and how it could bring people closer to deep peace in the Lord. By applying this teaching in our everyday lives, the act of giving thanks not only changes our perspective but also strengthens our faith.

How Can We Practice Daily Gratitude?
     1. Make a daily gratitude list: Take five minutes a day to write down three things you're thankful for. These can be as simple as a delicious meal, an uplifting conversation, or the warmth of the sun on your skin.
     2. Express your gratitude to the people around you: A sincere "thank you" can strengthen relationships and create an environment of love and respect.
     3. Pray with thankfulness: In your prayers, take time to thank God for His goodness and faithfulness. Make gratitude a central part of your spiritual life.

Gratitude is a habit that is built. In doing so, I discover that my life can be filled with joy and rejoicing, not because everything is perfect, but because I am learning to see God's hand in every detail, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

What are the little things you can be thankful for today? How can you make thankfulness a daily practice that brings you closer to God and helps you experience true joy?

Written by Liliana Henriquez, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colombia

I'm one of those people who, when they like a song, listen to it a thousand times throughout the day (or several days) until it doesn't excite them anymore. I can literally search on YouTube: "An hour of... (title of the song)" and play it all day long. It becomes the first and only song I listen to for a long time. It becomes the soundtrack or the main song of my day (or days) and I enjoy it very much.

This reminds me of when we decide to obey the gospel and get baptized. Converting ourselves to Christ and everything that has to do with the church is our priority. We are excited to learn the lyrics to all the hymns we sing at service, attend all church activities, read the whole Bible, and know all the verses. We are passionate about Jesus!

How wonderful it would be if we maintained that same passion for the rest of our lives as Christians!

As expected, life goes on, and with it comes new decisions, challenges, and stages such as marriage, children, new jobs, university studies, travel, migration... and generally, these tend to diminish the passion for Jesus that we felt at the beginning. I don't mean that we stop loving Jesus or being His disciples; I mean that the cares of life are sometimes so heavy and challenging that they distract us from what is important, to such an extent that we could make the grave mistake of giving them the first place that only God deserves.

You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me. (Ex 20:4-5 NIV, emphasis added)

As I read this passage, I am struck by these three words:

"MAKE": It leads me to understand that anything taking the place of God is an idol that we ourselves have the power to create.

"BOW DOWN": Everything we idolize causes us to take on an attitude of submission. Therefore, we yield our will to that idol.

"WORSHIP": We respect and give a place of preeminence to what we put first.

It's important to remember that we have a jealous God and we need to be very aware of that. He wants us to seek Him, to choose Him, to worship Him above anything else created in the world. Our life is hidden with Christ in God (Col 3:3) and we are to honor only Him.

I invite you to ask yourself: Is God the theme song of my life today?

I hope so. He is our King.

Written by Naijuvelin Díaz Leal, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Venezuela

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Php 2:5-11 ESV)

How many times have we heard or read about humility—that character that, although difficult, is not impossible to reach? The apostle Paul invites the Philippians to develop this character by taking Christ as their model. He presents this virtue to us as a reason for obedience and the consequence of exaltation. Humility, then, is an act of obedience. On another occasion, Peter would cry out, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God" (1 Pe 5:6a). We see how important it is and the effect that this condition always has on the Christian in any circumstance. Jesus Christ, being the Son of God, did not cling to that status, but lowered Himself, showing His meekness by bearing every scourge, confrontation, disappointment, emotional pressure, and betrayal.

Jesus showed the virtue of humility, full of grace and integrity; He was a model for the disciples and an example for all humanity. He willingly gave up His exalted position as the Son of God to bow down. He made manifest every good work that came from the Father. As His son, He bore suffering to teach us obedience and show us that in all obedience, there is a blessing. Christ is then presented to us as the model of humility in the following ways, while still not relinquishing His status as the Son of God:

• At His coming to earth (2Co 8:9).
• In His humility (Mt 11:29)
• In His submission to God's will (Jn 6:38)
• In His sufferings (Isa 53:1-9)
• At His triumphal entry (Mt 21:5,7)

Every perfect gift comes from above. Developing humility is a blessing, and executing it yields great benefits. When we are humble, we can attain salvation from God (Ps 18:27; 1 Co 1:26,29) and receive His grace (Pr 3:34). God honors the humble (Pr 15:33) and lifts them up (Job 5:11; Mt 23:12; Lk 1:52).

But what is humility? How do I recognize it? Is it a state of mind? A condition? Or a state of material poverty? Humility is acknowledging and exalting God's will over our own in our lives, gifts, virtues, and strength (Jn 5:19). When we constantly seek God and fully trust and accept His plans, that makes us humble and meek before Him. It is an attitude of the heart which goes beyond the external. To submit every thought or desire to Christ—to bring our cares and anxieties captive to Him—is to acknowledge His supremacy by recognizing His power and sovereignty.

Facing situations in which I must bend my will is a great challenge. It is a continuous challenge to know how to accept what God has determined. "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will" (Mt 26:39b) is an example Jesus set, reminding me to be humble in many moments of my life, and strengthening me in all areas.

Amid struggles, the apostle Paul continued His service in humility despite the sorrows that beset Him because of the Jews (Ac 20:19). He bore the marks of Christ on his body and bore them with patience and meekness. He exhorts us, too, to put on that garment that identifies us as God's chosen ones (Col 3:12).

Taking up this appeal allows us to live more committed to Christ, worthy of the vocation to which we were called, and the God of peace will guard our hearts in Christ Jesus.

Are you willing to develop this great virtue or spiritual strength?

Written by Alina Stout, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Oklahoma

Imagine a moment when you were scared, anxious, or nervous about what was to come. Was it a bad storm? A meeting with someone? A phone call? A news report? A new job? A move to a new place? At that moment, you might have felt both emotionally and physically stressed. It is difficult to face a challenge when you feel so apprehensive.

Joshua had one of these moments, too. Israel’s fearless and humble leader Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness until they were finally ready to enter the promised land. God appointed Joshua to succeed Moses, and this was a good choice because Joshua had proven himself faithful forty years prior. He was one of the spies who visited Canaan, and he had faith that the LORD would deliver the enemy into the Israelites’ hands even though the Canaanites were a military threat (Nu 14). However, Moses was a great leader, and it would be difficult to succeed someone like him.

Joshua was now in charge of an entire nation of people who did not have a home and who had to fight in order to settle down. He had trusted in his youth that God would deliver the Canaanites into Israel’s hands, but would he trust that God would deliver the Canaanites into his hands, the leader of Israel? The people of Israel certainly would not be courageous if Joshua wasn’t.

God knows the hearts of all, and He spoke to Joshua on this matter when He appointed him. God reiterates to Joshua five times to “be strong and courageous” (Dt 31:6, 23; Jos 1:6, 7, 9 ESV).

God is not just telling Joshua to be a good leader. There is a way for Joshua to actively strengthen his heart and mind so that he is ready to face the challenges that lie ahead. God tells Joshua to be “careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded,” to “not turn from [the law] to the right hand or to the left,” to not let the “Book of the Law… depart from [his] mouth,” and to “meditate on it day and night” in order to be “careful to do according to all that is written in it” (Jos 1:7-8). God makes it clear that this is the only way to succeed in their conquest.

God also ensures him of two promises: God will give Israel the promised land, and God will be with Joshua wherever he goes (Jos 1:3, 9).

When God gave His Book of the Law to Israel, His intention was for the law to inspire spiritual change in those who meditate on it. The law revealed a person’s sin and provided a chance for repentance. The law helped the listener understand God’s heart for the marginalized, such as foreigners, the poor, women, and victims. The law also helped the listener understand God’s insistence on giving justice to those who deserve it. Reciting and memorizing the law would help Joshua internalize God’s will. Obeying the law would affect Joshua’s daily personal choices and leadership decisions. Meditating on the words of God would help clarify Joshua’s vision, fortify his mind, and purify his heart.

How did Joshua respond to God’s command? He obeyed. Joshua might have still been apprehensive of what was to come, but he chose to obey God. Being strong and courageous was a choice that would lead to a positive outcome. In the following chapters of Joshua, we see how Joshua immediately continued forward with God’s plan. His faith in God when he spied in the land forty years prior had become the faith that he was living out.


So, in those moments where you feel scared, anxious, or nervous for what is about to come, remember God’s words to Joshua. You too can become strong and courageous by fortifying your heart and mind with God’s word. When you meditate on the Word, you begin to understand God’s heart, God’s justice, God’s will, and God’s promises. You grow in faith and will trust God in your every step into the unknown.

Think about your Iron Rose Sisters and their struggles as well. You might be able to help encourage each other as you walk this path with God.

For what do you need to become strong and courageous in your life?

Written by Kristi Bond, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. (2Co 5:13-15, NIV)

The most memorable lesson I learned in college did not take the form of classroom instruction. It didn’t come from a book, and although I am grateful to my parents and professors who set me on a course of faithful service and academic excellence, this particular lesson was not theirs to give me.

During my first year in college, I worked at a Mexican food restaurant. It was hard work made even harder by the fact that I didn’t have a car for a while, so I had to catch rides from co-workers. I left campus as soon as I was finished with classes, and I arrived back at the dorm late at night with hours of studying still to do. My earnings were hard-won, and I intended to use them well. God knew how to use them better.

One day as I was reflecting on what it might mean to live for Christ, I decided that no matter what happened that day, I was going to have a positive attitude. I hitched a ride to work with about $50 cash in my jacket pocket, expecting to add some tips to it that night, I clocked in and hung my jacket on the pegs in the kitchen and worked my shift. Later that night, I realized the money was gone. I looked everywhere but couldn’t find it – it had not fallen out of my pocket; it had been taken.

I had a decision to make. Was I going to let this event make me angry, or was I going to stick with my earlier decision to let the peace and joy of Jesus Christ reign in me no matter what? Whichever of my co-workers that had taken the money was living for self. But God used that moment to teach me to live for Him —I made the right decision and went back to the dorm with a cheerful heart. It was the best $50 I ever “spent” because it has given me a better perspective not only about money but also about maintaining a positive attitude even when things go wrong.

Martin Luther wrote: “Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to His beloved is that of overcoming self.” It is a gift to leave behind our selfishness and enjoy relationships and actions we might not have taken otherwise. It is a grace from God that allows us to hand over our fears, our failures, and even our trauma to One who can help us function through them. Living for self leads to entrapment in our own misery, and living for others results in enslavement to their actions and values. But living for Christ transforms all of who we are and all of our relationships, creating space for even tough situations to bring peace and abiding joy.

When we overcome self to live for Christ, we don’t have to react negatively or take offense at others. We can seek peace in challenging conversations instead of responding with hateful words – especially on social media! We can see chores and daily tasks as part of something bigger than ourselves and do them without complaint. Every moment is an opportunity to honor God – even when someone takes our hard-earned money.

What does overcoming self and living for Christ look like in your life today?

Written by Wendy Neill, Advancement Coordinator for Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Do you have a favorite book? It might be from your childhood or something you’ve read as an adult. There’s a good chance you’ve been through it several times, and you love to recommend it to others. It might be a fictional story or a nonfiction book that changed your life. Impactful books are written by authors endowed by God with a special gift for words.

Is the Bible your favorite book? I hope so. We’ve probably all had seasons in our life when it was and seasons when it wasn’t. The author of Psalm 119 had a deep, abiding love for the Word of God which remained steadfast even in difficult seasons (see vv. 81-93). Let’s learn from him.

This author definitely had that God-given gift for masterful writing. He wrote Psalm 119 as an acrostic poem. When you were in school, did you ever have to write an acrostic poem where each line started with the next letter of your name? I was terrible at those. The poem always sounded forced.

Psalm 119 is divided into eight-verse stanzas. Within each stanza, all eight verses start with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet! It is hard for us to see that artistic form since we aren’t reading it in the original Hebrew. Can you imagine writing eight verses that all begin with a difficult letter, like “X”? This author does it seamlessly and it doesn’t sound forced. He utilizes his exquisite skill and the entire Hebrew alphabet to express his love for God’s Word.

Keep in mind, he is not talking about the full Bible as we know it. He is referring to the first five books of the Old Testament: God’s laws, decrees, statutes, commandments, and ordinances. Here are some ways he describes God’s law:


• Great spoil/treasure/riches - vv. 14, 162
• A delight - vv. 24, 77, 143
• A path - v. 35
• A comfort - v. 52
• A light to our path - v. 105
• Sweeter than honey - v. 103
• A refuge and shield - v. 114
• Better than pure gold - v. 127
• Eternal - v. 160
• A source of great peace - v. 165

I can say that about much of our Bible, but those descriptions aren’t how I would personally describe Leviticus or Deuteronomy. This guy understands that God’s laws are meant to bless us, just as a wise, loving parent’s rules allow a child to thrive in a safe environment.

Throughout this psalm, the author alludes to listening to God through Scripture.

• Teach me your decrees so I can teach others. - vv. 12-13
• I spoke to you and you answered me. - v. 26
• Direct me in the path of your commands. - v. 35
• Teach me knowledge and good judgment. - v. 66
• The law from your mouth is precious. - v. 72

I encourage you to listen to God through His Word this week. Ask Him to teach and direct you. Read Psalm 119 first, then the next day, read from your favorite book of the Bible.

1. What is God teaching you as you commit to listening through His written Word?
2. How can you fall more in love with Him and the decrees He has set because He loves you?
3. Is there someone to whom you can recommend His Book?

By the way, because this author loved God’s statutes so deeply—and used his talent to glorify Him—God added this man’s ode to the Scriptures for all future generations! What an honor!

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

When I was a child, my mother always said, “God gave us two ears and one mouth because we should listen more and speak less.” Although most of the time she was just reprimanding me for being a child who talked too much during classes and services, she was paraphrasing James 1:19: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (NIV).

Today's theme says that “listening is an altruistic act.” If we search for the meaning of altruistic we find that it refers to someone who cares about others and acts voluntarily to benefit them. The Bible contains several verses that talk about altruism such as Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others." And John 13:34b says: "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." The act of listening is the same as loving.

We live at such a busy pace that we even set audio messages we receive on communication platforms at advanced speed to hear and solve things faster. How many times do we watch a video of a class, even a sermon, and put it on “2x” because the faster we listen, the better? It seems like stopping and listening carefully to what someone else has to say will cost us so much. I put myself in this position. I've always liked to do things quickly, think quickly, and resolve things quickly. How many times have I chosen a cooking video to watch, and before the cook got halfway through the recipe, I decided that I had already heard everything I needed and could make the rest myself. Almost every time, I failed and had to go back and watch the video again to find out where I went wrong.

I remember a teacher who asked me a question in class: “Did you hear what I said, Amanda?” and I promptly answered yes. Then she asked again: “Okay, but did you listen to what I said?” Maybe at first you will have the same reaction as I did, “But aren’t those the same thing: hear and listen?” And the answer is no. Hearing is the capture of sounds by the ear, a mechanical and natural process that does not require interpretation. But listening is the action of paying attention, understanding and interpreting what is heard, and making use of it. How many times have I heard people but didn't listen to them?

It takes effort, attention, and dedication to fulfill the role of listener.

Effort is required because we need to break this bad habit of speeding things up. If you've gotten used to hearing everything very quickly, you'll find it strange and even uncomfortable having to listen to someone who speaks slowly. So yes, we need to put in effort to be good listeners.

Attention is necessary because our mind easily takes us away from the conversation. We remember that we didn't take the clothes off the line, we forgot to defrost the meat, or so many tasks that if we are not centered and paying full attention, our mind will ramble and we won't actually be listening to our sister.

And of course, listening takes dedication. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” We need to dedicate ourselves day after day to being good listeners. Remember, listening to your brother or sister in Christ is an act of love. It is an act of service to the Kingdom of God.

When we are willing to listen to what a sister has to say, we are giving her a safe and trustworthy space where she can share her problems, confess her sins, and share her prayer requests with God. Being open to being that person who listens with an open heart and loves her sister is serving the Lord. If a sister comes to you to talk, she believes she will be in a safe place, without judgment, and with lots of love.

May we be attentive and available to be God's instruments in the lives of our brothers and sisters, and may our ears be open to listen to what they need to tell us. May our hearts be ready to love and exhort when necessary. And may only the Word of God come out of our lips.

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

The natural wave in my hair helps it stay compliant when properly styled. However, left to its own devices, my hair has a style of its own, starting with the wispy baby hairs that frame my face, pointing in every direction. Every one of those hairs chooses its own chaotic path overnight, creating the effect of an untamed mane when I look in the mirror first thing in the morning.

After chuckling at the added disparity between my brown and gray hairs (my God highlights), I determine how to tame my tresses. I never leave it exactly how it looked after waking. That would be foolish. Instead, I do at least something about it with my brush.

James 1:22-25 states:

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. (ESV)

Listening and doing. Hearing, seeing, understanding, and obeying. It is an ongoing process that requires commitment.

As James illustrates, when we listen to the Word, we are looking into a spiritual mirror. We are called to do something with what we hear. Dedicated commitment permits us to listen again and act on it, like when I catch a glimpse in the mirror later in the day and reach for my brush or adjust a hairclip.

“Listen first and twice.” That listening exercise from Called to Listen: Forty Days of Devotion reminds us of the importance of listening first to God (and to others). We seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness through His Word and His teaching (Mt 6:33; 2Ti 3:16-17; 2Pe 1:20-21). We listen first to others by holding our tongue and thinking before we respond (Jas 1:19).

Of equal importance is to listen twice. We think we know what we heard. Our confidence regarding our understanding of that original message can lead us to barrel through without confirmation. Or we may lack confidence in what we heard, leading us to doubt. In both instances, it is always wise to listen twice. “Then David inquired of the LORD again…” (1Sa 23:4). Throughout that chapter and in other instances, David listened at least twice.

Jesus demonstrated committed listening first, twice, and always, through consistent, intentional communication with His Father. He constantly rededicated Himself to listening and to speaking only what the Father said (Jn 12:49).

The practice of listening requires commitment. Listening is a practice because we are always learning. No student can perfectly play a piano the first time she sits down at the keys. But the more she practices and plays, the more she learns, and the better she gets. It is a choice to persevere, especially after making a mistake.

A commitment to listening requires ongoing dedication and a determination to practice. When we do it imperfectly, God lovingly invites us to repent and do it better the next time. We hear His mercy and grace. And the more we practice listening to Him, the more we want to hear His voice and follow His lead.

The more we listen, the more we deepen our relationship with Him. The more we listen, the more we fall in love with the One who calls us to obey what we hear. And our commitment to listening is strengthened.

We would love to help you renew or strengthen your commitment to listening! Check out our latest Bible study book: Committed to Listen: Forty Days of Dedication.

Thank you for your commitment to listening through our blog, as well! May God use us as His instruments to encourage and inspire each other to listen and act on what we hear (Jas 1:22-25). We appreciate your feedback and responses. We “listen” to each one.

Written by Michelle J. Goff with shared inspiration by Chrys Goff

Faith is funny, elusive.
We place it without thought.
We put it in things we tangibly see
And in ones that we cannot.

Faith in what is faithful
Would make a lot of sense.
But we be stupid sometimes.
In fact, we often dense.

Little g’s can’t be faithful.
It’s not in their DNA.
We should kick them to the curb
Because they only make us pay.

The price of following little g’s
Is steep and full of gall.
Let’s humbly fall at the gracious feet
Of the One who made it all.

The OG is our Creator,
Our Father, Faithful One
Who crushed all the little g’s power
When He sent His only Son.

The OG models faithfulness
And invites us to do the same.
His heart breaks every time
Those little g’s get in the way.

Please heed The OG’s warning,
Since we all get a choice.
We can follow empty little g’s
Or we can hear The OG’s voice.

“Be faithful my child, I love you.
My promises are faithful and true.
I AM faithful, my child, I AM YHWH.
My Spirit yields faithfulness in you.”

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

Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1Pe 1:17-19 NIV)

In the following chapter, the apostle Peter encourages his friends, the people of God, to live their lives as foreigners and exiles (1Pe 2:11). Sinful desires surround us, bombard us, implore us, distract us, confuse us, and wear us down. However, they also attack in much more subtle and deceptive ways.

While living as a foreigner in another country, especially at the beginning, it was immediately obvious what belonged to the local culture and what belonged to my home country. Confronted by my own cultural biases, I was forced to step outside my comfort zone. It was a challenge to determine when I was clinging to my own perspective, which areas were uncomfortable simply because they were different, and what things were based on a goal of Kingdom living.

Prayer was my lifeline for support and guidance. I did not navigate things perfectly, at all. As
time passed, I assimilated into the local culture and became less attentive to identifying any important distinctions. I needed to be intentional about striving to live not as a North American foreigner in a South American country, but rather as a redeemed Christian foreigner, living in this perishable, broken world.

Our time here on earth is short, a vapor or a mist (Jas 4:14). We are merely a dot on the length of a timeline. Kingdom time and Kingdom living keep the trajectory of our lives and how we live them in perspective.

Kingdom time “makes the most of every opportunity” (Col 4:5).

Kingdom living has a “mind governed by the Spirit” (Ro 8:6).

Kingdom time beats to the rhythm of eternity that He has set in the human heart (Ecc 3:11).

Kingdom living dies to self and lives for Christ (Lk 9:23-24; Gal 2:20).

Kingdom time goes and makes “disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that [Jesus] commanded you. And behold, [He is] with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt 28:19-20).

Kingdom living “walks by faith, not by sight” (2Co 5:7 ESV).

Sisters, may we remember and proclaim, “I’m a foreigner living on Kingdom time.”

How are you going to use your Kingdom time to be all about Kingdom living?