Iron Rose Sister Ministries

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

December… it’s the time of year when people around the world turn their thoughts to a small village in what is now the nation of Israel. While Scripture never tells us when Jesus was born, we take this opportunity to share His complete story with the world. Jesus, the Christ… the promised Messiah… is much more than the Baby born in Bethlehem. He is our Savior, the One sent to redeem us from the evils of Satan.

In this lesson you will find groups of scriptures after a statement about the Messiah. Those from the Old Testament will be prophecy, and the New Testament scriptures that follow are fulfillment of those prophecies.

Before the foundation of the earth, Paul tells us that God set this plan into place, that a Redeemer would come to restore the relationship that was broken by Satan in the Garden of Eden (Eph. 1:4.) There are over 300 Old Testament prophecies for the coming Messiah. In the New Testament we read how Jesus, born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth, was the fulfillment of those many years of prophecies.

The first set of prophecies and fulfillment are about the birth of our Lord. Early in Scripture we read of the promised Messiah and His birth:

Blessings would come through Abraham.

 “Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:1-2)

 “And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, and in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.”(Acts 3:24-25)

“And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.””(Galatians 3:8) 

A virgin would have a son.

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

 “And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?””(Luke 1:34)

This promised Child would be born in Bethlehem.

“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” (Micah 5:2)

 “When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” (Matthew 2:3-6)

The ministry of the promised Messiah would be special, different from Old Testament prophets:

The Messiah would have a forerunner.

“A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”” (Isaiah 40:3)

 “He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.””(John 1:23)

“This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist….””(Matthew 11:10-11)

The Messiah would have a miraculous ministry.

 “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy…”            (Isaiah 35:5-6)

“And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.”(Matthew 11:4-5)

“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31)

The Messiah would be despised and rejected.

“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” (Isaiah 53:3)

“When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff.” (Luke 4:28-29)

“So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.” (John 8:59)

The life of this Messiah would end with death and resurrection:

They would cast lots for His clothing.

“they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” (Psalm 22:18)

“When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.””(John 19:23-24)

His hands and feet would be pierced.

 “…they have pierced my hands and feet.”(Psalm 22:16b)

“So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.””(John 20:25)

“See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.”(Luke 24:39a)

None of His bones would be broken.

“He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.”(Psalm 34:20)

 “But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.”(John 19:33)

The Messiah would not remain in the grave.

“For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” (Psalm 16:10)

“And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.””(Luke 24:5-7)

The story of Jesus our Redeemer shows the marvelous love that that our Heavenly Father has for us. 

Our Savior is not just the Baby born in Bethlehem. He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6),and He has gone to prepare a place for us. (John 14:1-3)

We give thanks for our promised Messiah, the fulfillment of prophecy and our Way to the Father.

[All scriptures are ESV]

Written by Abigail Baumgartner, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister in Louisiana

“Do you remember how, on a racing-track, every competitor runs, but only one wins the prize? Well, you ought to run with your minds fixed on winning the prize! Every competitor in athletic events goes into serious training. Athletes will take tremendous pains—for a fading crown of leaves. But our contest is for an eternal crown that will never fade. I run the race then with determination. I am no shadow-boxer, I really fight! I am my body’s sternest master, for fear that when I have preached to others I should myself be disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:24-27, PHILLIPS).

Growing up as an elite-level competitive swimmer, I always appreciated Paul's words to the Corinthians in all their intensity. As a swimmer, I worked hard to achieve my goals, whether moving to a better training group, reaching a time standard, or winning a race. The "run the race" metaphor Paul uses to talk about the Christian life made sense to me and drove home that need for Christians to be determined and disciplined. Today, though, as I write about Paul and "running the race," I remember how I once misunderstood this passage. Though I appreciated Paul's intensity, some messages I picked up through my childhood in competitive sports hindered me from understanding the beautiful goal of this race.

As a young swimmer, I learned I was solely responsible for my success or failure. The individual-sport-culture convinced me that if anything went wrong, I need only look in the mirror to see why. In a sense, this is true. Making a habit of missing practice, staying up too late, or eating only junk food demonstrates a lack of discipline. Still, the message I heard was that any shortcoming was unacceptable. So, when there were days when I did not sleep, eat, or train to perfection, I condemned myself just for being human. I learned that, in sports, you had to be your own savior; there was no grace, no redemption. For someone with perfectionistic tendencies, this was not a helpful message.

In fact, I struggled for years to reconcile this deeply ingrained athletic principle with what I knew about my God. From a young age, I knew that all sin separated me from God (Rom. 3:23), but that God had redeemed my life through the blood of Jesus (Rom. 3:24). I accepted that gift through baptism at 12 years old. Still, I felt a disconnect between what I'd been taught as an athlete and what I knew to be true as a Christian. Whenever I read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, I always squirmed a little; for me, it was just another call to race toward perfection by sheer force of will.

Thankfully, I found new freedom and depth in these verses during my first year of college while swimming for Louisiana State University. That year, as a major competition approached, I was overcome with fears that I had not done enough. For example…
What about that time three weeks ago when I didn't hit my paces in practice?
I shouldn't have had pizza last week.
It's 11 pm, and I'm STILL NOT ASLEEP!

Amidst this mental warfare, I cried out to God, and He drew me near, reminding me that He is "… one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (Eph. 4:6, ESV). God reminded me that He was not just the Lord of my life in a spiritual sense, redeeming me of my sin, but Lord over all aspects of my life. He reminded me again of His power over sin and death, of how He created and saved me... did I really think He would abandon me in a race of any kind?

What I learned then—and cling to now—is that God never asked me to run toward perfection. He asked me to “throw off everything that hinders” me and run toward Him (Heb. 12:1, NIV). The race Paul talks about is not a robotic checking of boxes and the prize is not perfection. The race is about the wonderful chance to know God and make Him known—God is the purpose and the prize.

Though I retired from competitive swimming in 2021, I continue to treasure my new understanding of what matters in running any metaphorical or literal race. As a student, friend, daughter, worker, mentor, or athlete, I know the true prize and purpose of my race are found in Christ alone. I praise God for those years of swimming that taught me I cannot save myself. Now, knowing my gracious Savior, I can glorify God for the beauty of His redemption that does not stop at the water's edge but flows in, out, over, across, and through every piece of my race in unexpected, awe-inspiring ways.

How has God used pieces of your story to make scripture come alive in your life?

In what areas of your life do you need to let go of perfection and run toward God?

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #runtherace #notaboutperfection #runtoGod #guestwriter #blog

Written by Kara Benson, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

Years ago, I heard this quote: “Your attitude determines your altitude.” Our attitude and demeanor often define how high we will reach and, as Christians, how low we will reach.

Philippians 2:5-11 says, “Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 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.”

Verses 3-4 of the same chapter say, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

According to 1 Corinthians 13:5, love is not self-seeking. Our redefined attitude is characterized by humility, by looking out for the best interest of others. It is also characterized by being Spirit-led.

Galatians 5:25 says, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

If we are called to live by the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit, we must know what that looks like.

How can I tell if I’m being led by the Spirit?
• When you feel prompted to do or say something that aligns with Scripture, but that is out-of-character (something you wouldn’t naturally do or say).
• When your actions, words, and mindset become more aligned with God’s.
• Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are the fruit of the Spirit. If we are increasing in these areas, it is a sign we are being led by the Spirit.

As followers of Christ, our attitude should be like His. Our attitude should be redefined by humility and by being Spirit-led.

How is your attitude demonstrating humility? How are you allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you?

Written by Tiffany Jacox, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Bellevue, NE

Last summer my husband started really getting into gardening and I wasn’t all that into it. So this year he decided to go much bigger and I was not at all excited about this. That being said, once the time came to start getting the garden area ready I was out in the yard helping him pull weeds and prepare the space. This is when I found the time to be still. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10a, NKJV). I found I could let go of the stress of work, the news, social media, and all the distractions. It didn’t take me long to begin appreciating the time outdoors and this special time with not only my husband but with creation, and with God. I began to long for that time in the yard. I felt so close to God there.

As we began planting the seeds and learning how to care for our natural, organic, chemical free garden we began to imagine what life was like for Adam after the fall. This gave my husband and me time to talk about what the garden may have been like and gave us greater appreciation for the punishment God gave man (Gen. 3:17-19,23, NASB) and the toil of cultivating the land through each generation. It gave us lessons in patience and encouraged us to be students of our ecosystem. It drew us closer to God. Each and every day was new and exciting to see what He had blessed us with! Even when the insects had their small victories.

This garden started out as a small hobby for my husband last year and a way to grow fresh vegetables for his family and friends. It turned into a huge lesson, mission, and blessing from God this year. It helped grow our marriage as we spent more time together working in the garden and just being outside enjoying our hard work and God’s beautiful bountiful blessings as we continually added to the garden. It helped us to grow in our appreciation of God’s amazing power and love in creation. It helped us to bless many people by providing and sharing in the food that we were able to grow. We were able to share our garden journey and the knowledge we learned both through social media and in person with others.

It redefined us in gratitude to be thankful for God and what He blesses us with. Each and every day was a beautiful gift I was able to open. Redefined in gratitude by the gift of a new day; by the gift of a beautiful new flower fully bloomed; by vegetables ready to be picked; by the gift of being able to get up close and personal to see His creation and the function of birds, bees, butterflies, grasshoppers, praying mantis, ladybugs, and so many more!

I found myself running to the window every morning to see my husband sitting outside in the garden to spend his time before work with God and the sunrise. I’d go out at lunch time and visit the plants and soak up the sunshine and talk with God. Every evening my husband and I would tend to the garden and care for it and harvest the blessings and then sit and admire God’s work in abundant gratitude.

In this season of giving thanks, what has God done to redefine you through gratitude?

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:18, NASB)

Written by Kat Bittner, member of Iron Rose Sister Ministries Board of Directors in Colorado Springs, CO

If the events of 2020 have taught us anything, it’s that life here on earth is increasingly unpredictable. Political unrest, social chaos, and a global pandemic left many of us questioning, “What next?” Some in the faith may have even wondered when God would just end it all and call us home. Amid all the ambiguity and anxiety, how do we settle our hearts into a state of rest? How do we find peace?

Peace amidst all the trouble can only be found in real relationship with God. A real relationship with God entails regular communication with Him. It depends on regular prayer. And if there was ever a time for developing or improving our prayer with God, 2020 was the catalyst for doing just that. Prayer has always been our intercessory means to God. It’s like fuel to an engine or water for the body. It is a crucial part of our life. And prayer is paramount to relationship with God.

Personally, 2020 redefined prayer as an immediate and more deliberate intercourse with God. It became a daily interchange with God rather than the occasional speaking to God. My prayers now involve a reading of Scripture followed by moments of silent reflection so that I might listen to what God has to say to me, too. “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jer. 33:3, NKJV).

Prayer has become a genuine dialogue in that respect rather than a one-sided discourse. I call on God and He listens. “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to me, and I will listen to you” (Jer. 29:12, NKJV). He calls me to Him and I listen. “My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart" (Prov. 4:20-21, NKJV). Through prayer, God and I come together mutually. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8, NKJV). As a result of this reciprocity in our relationship with God, His peace envelopes us. And when we accept the peace He offers us, we can assuage the anxiety of this world. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NKJV).

Prayer is key. It is key to relationship with God. It is key to accepting the peace offered in Jesus Christ. And prayer is key to the unpredictability of our life here on earth. We need only to be mindful of it. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17, NKJV). Will you be mindful of prayer? Will you, too, be redefined by it?

Written by Kim Solis, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Oregon

Merriam-webster.com defines culture as: the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group, also: the characteristic features of everyday existence (such as diversions or a way of life) shared by people in a place or time.

These shared beliefs and social forms are what define the people and practices within each culture. They give the members a common bond, flavor, and spice. They bind us together and make us feel part of something greater. They often involve music, food, customs, and even ways of thinking, reasoning, and perceiving the world and the people around us. One way or another, we all belong to a culture.

But what happens when cultures clash? When my beliefs and social forms collide with those of another culture? Who is right? Which one will prevail?

Some culture clashes are classic, misunderstandings the norm. Every generation feels the generation before them doesn’t understand what they are going through. Foreigners think the new country they are residing in is full of crazy people who don’t know the correct way to do things or how to cook! Opposing political cultures are convinced the other is out to undermine the basic foundation of the motherland.

In order for two opposing or differing cultures to co-exist, there must be something even greater that bind the two together.If commonality cannot be reached, conflict escalates even to the point of violence.

Jesus Christ came to create a greater culture. Not a religious culture of dos and don’ts, as some believe, but rather a larger human culture where we are bound by our common image, that of our mutual Creator who Himself represents unity of three in one, where love, forgiveness, peace, and grace abound.

Genesis 1:26
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image…

Ephesians 2:14-19
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household,

We are no longer older people and younger, Americans and Mexicans, democrats and republicans, Jews and Gentiles… we are now One in Christ.

This is just the message a divided world needs to hear.

Enjoy your culture, but let it not define you.

Embrace the greater human culture that God has blessed us with through Christ. He unites us all through His blood and sacrifice.

Written by Corina Diaz, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Argentina.

This is the last month of the year, and as usual, I take a look at my path through 2021. Many things happened! I am realizing that each situation was a simple thing to be solved and not a big problem as I thought. It is true what Paul says: Difficulties are small and will not last long, and indeed I can see how each situation made me grow and allowed me to end this year with another perspective. This makes me think of these words from Paul:

“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

That's totally true! What we see today goes away day by day, and what we DO NOT see is immutable. Therefore, remembering pain is a way of understanding that it is perishable and that today is a new opportunity to give thanks for it.

I want to share with you four ways I can take advantage of my pain, especially in 2021!

1. I use my pain to glorify God and draw me closer to Him. When we are in pain, we go in deeper search for God. It is a new opportunity to trust more in His power.
2. My pain allows me to be more like Christ. We are more sensitive and reverent when we are in pain. We approach the likeness of Christ with a pure heart.
3. Pain brings me closer to others. That's right, pain brings me closer to my community to solve my problems.
4. It is an opportunity to testify about Christ. Think for a moment… What is it that strikes you the most about someone else when you meet them? Many times, it is the person's pain and how she has overcome it! So, how many people could come to Christ with your testimony?

In a few days, 2021 will be over, so, let's take this opportunity to redefine our vision about pain. Remember that pain is a warning sign that tells us when something is wrong and also, God uses pain to protect us, take care of us, guide us, and make us grow.

Written by Débora Rodrigo, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Spain

The past year was full of changes and challenges. Of that, there is no doubt. Much has been said about what 2020 will be remembered for. But here we are facing a promising new year that gives us some hope, although we well know that this year, like any other, will bring its own challenges.

Changes, challenges, and unforeseen events all are parts of life that have their moments, as do times of tranquility and happiness. Many things happened in our lives last year, and many others will continue this year, but all things, as Paul promises us in Romans 8:28, contribute to the good of those who love God. We can be sure that during 2020, God was working in us, refining and redefining us according to His will.

The people of God faced many changes and challenges, and were still going through them after their exile in Babylon and the subsequent rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, led by Nehemiah. God's people had been refined and redefined during times of great difficulty. After returning to Jerusalem, the changes would continue, and they would have to continue facing challenges; but a new stage was beginning. Led by the priest Ezra, the people decided to meet as one in the square and keep silent while Ezra read the Book of the law. The people listened carefully and worshiped God (Neh. 8:1-6).

Changes and challenges may continue in our lives, but as we grappled with them over the past months, we have been refined and redefined and we must continue to walk and move forward with every step we take. It is time to stop, reflect, and check that we have our roots well ingrained, and redefine our steps to ensure we walk in the direction God would have us go.

Written by Jocelynn Goff, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas (and mother of Michelle J. Goff, founder)

Did you know there actually was a “Year of Vision”? Yep, you guessed it, 2020. Some of you may remember or have participated in a 2019 New Year’s Eve party with the theme of 20/20 Vision. There were all kinds of phrases, jokes, even costume glasses made into the shape of 2020. It was going to be a great year. Afterall, 20/20 is what we have traditionally considered perfect vision. However, COVID happened and that perspective was silenced. It became the year we all wished would hurry up and go away quickly, so that we could get back to normal, or at least our definition of normal. We really wanted the year 2020 to be in our rearview mirror.

The year 2020 is truly behind us now. But, where are we now as a nation, a congregation, a family, or, looking closer to home, where am I?

For me, 2021 has been a most challenging year. The most recent challenge has been an additional health issue. The quivering feeling of my heart out of rhythm seemed to call me to worry and become anxious. It threatened to consume me. I knew I needed to recognize that something was wrong and seek medical help. However, I was also seeking the appropriate response to the anxiousness and not let it run away with my mind, even as my heart needed medical attention.

I prayed for calm and the appropriate perspective. Then, as I contemplated thoughts for this blog on Redefined Vision, the song, Be Thou my Vision, came to mind.

Be Thou My Vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me save that Thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

My focus or vision has had to intentionally refocus on the perspective of letting my Lord be the vision of my heart, even as it’s physically beating rapidly out of sync.

There have been other events in my life as teaching points of this concept. For instance, when I was pregnant with our first daughter, I took Lamaze classes and was introduced to the helpfulness of a focal point and relaxed breathing. These were important for me in managing pain while in labor. I chose a birth announcement card as my focal point. I practiced multiple times prior to labor, using that focal point. Then during labor, I could picture my focal point, even if I had my eyes closed. I can still picture this focal point when I’m in other painful situations.

Spiritually, the application of this principle is not new.

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb. 12:2)

He is our focal point. We fix our vision on Him and let Him lead by example to have joy in endurance and rest at the throne of God.

Another aspect of the Lamaze method was learning relaxed breathing patterns for each stage of labor.

Spiritually, the relaxed breathing is a reminder of Who’s in control. A friend taught me this concept years ago, “Breathe out self. Breathe in Jesus.” It’s a part of letting go of the notion that I am the one sitting on the throne, and then allowing His breath to fill me.

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I AM the LORD.” (Ezek. 37:4-6)

I think I can speak for all of us that we’d like to have the breath of the LORD in us and come to life like the dry bones.

In summary, not only as we do in January, when setting New Year’s Resolutions, but also throughout the year must define and redefine our vision to be fixed on Him so we can have joy, endurance, and be filled with life from the I AM.

Blessings and Happy New Year.

Written by Tiffany Jacox, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister in Bellevue, NE

Well, here we are...2021! Are you leaping for joy and full of new hope or cautiously peering into the New Year? 2020 was full of turbulence, of that we can all agree. It is customary to take time at the end of a year to look back and reflect on what transpired throughout that year. I urge you, if you haven’t already, to take a few moments to do so. Take inventory of the things you witnessed, the things you experienced, your relationship with Jesus, the choices you made and ask yourself how those things changed you.

You see, we are shaped by thousands of little things each day. Little acts, small choices, big decisions, they all have consequences and our experiences help shape the person of whom we will become. If we rely on ourselves or on the voices of the world, we may not be refined the way we should be or would like to be. In your time of reflection over the past year, and preparation for the year ahead, remember who you should be talking to and from where we should seek advice.

We should be spending time in the Word of God and speaking to Him in prayer daily, asking Him for wisdom. Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) reminds us to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” We will grow and change through our experiences and God will strengthen us through the trials. “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10, NASB).

We can look forward with joy and anticipation to this New Year with a new opportunity to be not only refined but redefined. God uses our experiences to refine us and we are redefined in Jesus. If you are a Christian you have already been made new. If you aren’t a Christian yet, don’t wait! Get to know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the new life only He can give. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Cor. 5:17, KJV). The old has passed away and new things have come; we have been redefined!

As we make our New Years’ Resolutions or plans for the upcoming year, remember to keep God in the center of our planning. “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it” (Ps. 37:5, AMP). We must not dwell on the past or things of this world, they are temporary. We need to keep our focus clear and straight ahead. “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Col 3:2, NKJV). Allow God to be at the center of all you do and He will guide the way, “The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps” (Prov. 16:9, NASB).

God has given us a sweet fellowship in Iron Rose Sister Ministries and a way to be refined, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Prov. 27:17, NIV). No more looking behind, only looking ahead, together, as refined and redefined women of God!

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

“Must be nice to be so holy!” Or someone might say, “You just think you are better than anyone else.” Has anyone ever said that to you when you made the decision not to participate in something you felt was wrong?

In the beginning God said, “Let us make man in our image” (Gen. 1:26-27, ESV).

What does it mean to be made in the image of God? Briefly, it means we act like God.

Look at children you know well. Do their mannerisms, speech patterns, and attitudes remind you of one of their parents? This is what God wants from us… to be like Him.

The main attribute of God is His holiness. HOLY is the only attribute taken to the third degree… holy, holy, holy!

“Be holy as I am holy,” is repeated several times in the book of Leviticus (11:44,45; 19:2; 20:7, 26).

1 Peter 1:16 repeated the admonition to Christians.

To be holy is to be set apart. Isaiah 43:7 tells us we are created for His glory.

When we confess Jesus as the Christ, our Savior, the promised Messiah, and are immersed for remission of our sins, we have made our decision to be like our Heavenly Father and reflect His image. We have “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4:24). We have chosen to be different from the world. We have been called to a different purpose.

How does this look in daily life? It means our thoughts, speech, and actions are holy, that they would be how God would choose to be. It means we choose to practice the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). It means, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Phil. 4:8).

In John 17:14-16, Jesus prayed, “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” Jesus knew we would encounter difficulties in our quest to follow Him and be holy, so He prayed for us to be protected from Satan.

The Hebrew writer impresses how important holiness is when he writes, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14). Holiness is imperative, if we want to see God!

The Father created us in the beginning in His image… an image of holiness… so as we walk towards our home with Him, let us strive to make His original plan our reality.

Restored and Reunited through True Freedom
Written by Mimi Massengill
John 3:17 Resident, Graduating July 14, 2019

It’s a Saturday morning at a rural church in Remmel, Arkansas... as the membership begins to arrive, something heavenly happens. It’s 10am, and Poppie’s Bible Study has dismissed. In the foyer of the church, we find husbands and children waiting for their wives and moms. We find mothers and fathers waiting for their daughters. We find families patiently waiting for their loved ones.

As the forty extraordinary women of John 3:17 Ministry file into the sanctuary, the love of our Holy Father begins to fill the room. The church members offer hugs and encouragement to each lady as they cross paths. We get to witness this magnificent gift from our Lord. These women received a redemption they could not afford. They come from all over: Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Texas, Tennessee, and Florida—all seeking a cure for their lives of addiction and sin. John 3:17 and the Remmel Church provide a safe environment for women, filled with the Holy Spirit.

Birdy is just coming out of her 30-day “Black-Out.” She hasn’t seen or spoken to her children since she came for her interview. At breakfast that morning, she exclaims to me across the room that her daughter is coming this morning! As we all walk into the foyer, I see Birdy’s family as she runs to hug her two-year-old daughter, Mary Lou. She is accompanied by her Aunt Janna, cousin, Hunter, sister, Daisy, and Miss Stacy.

The tears begin to flow from everyone who witnesses this sweet reunion. The family enjoyed their visit playing outside, and by the time the visit was over, Birdy felt a supernatural sense of strength and peace. She knew the Lord was carrying her and her family.

Stories like Birdy’s take place all the time at John 3:17. God doesn’t just restore families here though. He gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit. He restores our spiritual gifts and allows us to be vessels for His great purpose. Any one of the residents could tell you a story about how Satan controlled their lives, but God picked them up from out of the pit and set their feet on a firm foundation.

And from that firm foundation, we find rest. We have been running from Satan for so long, and finally surrendered our lives and wills to Jesus Christ. It’s by the power of His resurrection that we find the strength to keep going. We thank God for His great work in and through John 3:17 Ministry. He clocks in for work and He never clocks out! May the Lord bless and keep you all!

Mimi Massengill

John 3:17 Ministry is a Homeless/Recovery Center for women in Jackson County, Arkansas.

Description from John 3:17 Website: The scripture from John 3:17 describes the goal of this ministry, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Neither do we condemn you. Every person working with this ministry has either suffered personally with an addiction or has a close family member who has. We have witnessed God through Jesus Christ and the power of His Holy Spirit to set individuals free.

We also know that addictions cause confusion and disorder. But God came to bring order out of chaos, and He will use John317 as one avenue through which individuals can get the help and deliverance they need.

#IronRoseSister #freedom #truth #John317ministry

Written by Corina Diaz, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Argentina

In the Bible we find many examples related to foreign women, and the case of the Samaritan woman was no exception. She was a woman who was confronted by Jesus even with the cultural implications: a woman who was evidence of a manipulated and reckless sexual life, in addition to belonging to the group of Samaritans, who were despised by the Jews, the woman had to hide in the middle of the day to look for her basic resources. It was at that moment that the encounter with Jesus arose. Has that ever happened to you—when you're at your worst, a ray of sunshine comes out of nowhere?

Here's a snippet of the story:

A woman, a Samaritan, came to draw water. Jesus said, “Would you give me a drink of water?” (His disciples had gone to the village to buy food for lunch.) The Samaritan woman, taken aback, asked, “How come you, a Jew, are asking me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?” (Jews in those days wouldn’t be caught dead talking to Samaritans.) Jesus answered, “If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water.” The woman said, “Sir, you don’t even have a bucket to draw with, and this well is deep. So how are you going to get this ‘living water’? Are you a better man than our ancestor Jacob, who dug this well and drank from it, he and his sons and livestock, and passed it down to us?” Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life.” The woman said, “Sir, give me this water so I won’t ever get thirsty, won’t ever have to come back to this well again!” (John 4:7-15)

The text is not very clear about the current situation of the woman, but if you continue the story, you will find that she was in sin, and even so, Jesus approached her during that difficult time. We can recognize it was a tough moment when she was alone looking for water, in addition to the fact that she likely did not have emotional stability. The chapter describes that she had five husbands, which indicates that she was a wounded woman, probably with broken self-esteem. Some of us have gone through emotional breakups when our identity was at stake. But do you know what the most beautiful part is? Jesus came to her to restore her! Just as He comes to us today to offer us a new identity and to show us our purpose here on earth.

So don’t be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus. (2 Tim. 1:8-9)

If you find yourself alone or if you still feel alone in a crowd, in a place that is not your land, if you have been hurt or your identity has been at stake, I want to tell you that we will always have an opportunity to renew ourselves, to shine and to be new women in Jesus!

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #foreigners #light #restoredselfesteem #guestwriter #blog

Written by Nilaurys Garcia, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Canada

Has it happened to you that after a vacation you need to rest? In other words, you need another vacation to rest from the holidays, it may be that you want to spend all day lying in bed reading a book, binge watching your favorite series, sunbathing on the beach, walking in the park or whatever activity that you like the most.

I can imagine several people laughing and commenting that the days off are to do the things you can't do while you work or are in your daily routine, and why do I know this? Because my mind also works like that. But a day after a small mental breakdown that led me to faint on the subway on the way to work, both my family and my boss decided to have an intervention, and very kindly forced me to take a few days off. I wish this story ended here, and I would love to say that after the break I learned to relax, connect with God and live in a peaceful state, but no. Six months later it happened again. After medical studies and results that only indicated one thing, stress. This intervention was no longer so kind, but this time I did learn.

There was an internal struggle within me in living these two experiences, after being oversaturated with good things like multiple Bible studies, ladies and youth meetings, children's classes, social activities and more, I completely drained myself. There was nothing left to give. Some will think, “but that's the life of the servant and it's part of the task to do all that, plus how are you going to get tired if all those activities nourish and transform you, help you connect more with God and make you grow?” All that is true, but if we exceed our limits, there are consequences.

What led me to understand that rest or stepping aside was necessary was to see the example of Jesus, in Luke 6:12, when after several miracles, days of teaching, and having to deal with the Scribes and Pharisees He retreated all night to pray “and He spent the night praying to God.” It is not the first and only time we see Him doing this, He also did it after He had walked on water, had fed a crowd and before being betrayed. In Luke 5:16 the Bibles states that "Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Since I understood that it was necessary to dedicate moments, days, or seasons in this action of recharging, I understood that I had much more to give, but it was only possible if I made these conscious pauses to return to the Source that would allow me to breathe deeply and talk to the Source, beyond the daily interaction. I have learned from Jesus to retreat and breathe for a few moments. I learned to identify the symptoms that indicate that I need to pause and regain strength, and I spend conscious time doing so.

Depending on your tastes and personality, retreating can look like sitting in the park while you study your devotional, taking a couple of hours to journal, taking the long way to work while praying out loud if you're driving, or saying no to a church study or activity, but it should be a conscious decision. You can also invite a friend if you wish. In my case it works best when I'm alone and I pray out loud, so if you ever see me on the street speaking to myself, you already know what I'm doing. You don't need to go to the middle of the forest for a week to be alone with God and your thoughts, but if that's your way, great! I just recommend that you don't wait to collapse to retreat, breathe, and recharge. Remember Jesus spent time resting and recharging directly from the Source.

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #retreat #recharge #breathe #rest #guestwriter #blog

Written by Kat Bittner, member of Iron Rose Sister Ministries Board of Directors in Colorado

 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver”(Ps. 25:11, NKJV)

Communication is rather peculiar. Isn’t it? It’s one of those things many find unpleasant and yet others thoroughly embrace. It can be cumbersome and hard. It can be impulsive and disparaging. But it can also be delightful and motivating. I’m definitely an embraceable communicator! No matter the fashion or form, communication will always be a central theme of humanity. Most assuredly, it is the central theme in our relationship with God. 

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2, NKJV).

It behooves us then as Christians to be especially mindful of the care and practice we employ in our communication. Emulating Jesus in our speech is just as important as emulating Him in our actions because “a good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things…for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt. 12:35,37, NKJV).

As an image-bearer of God, I need to be purposely purposeful in my communication. And it takes work to do it right in accordance with God. To work communication rightly, we should practice it with intent. Here are a few suggestions from my own experience. 

• Be mindful of those with whom you are speaking and their personality. I don’t approach my introverted, quiet friend about a conflict in the same way I do my very extroverted and assertive daughter. My own assertive personality might clash with my guarded friend. My daughter would say, “Bring it on!”
• Don’t assume that you and the other person (or people) have been genuinely heard in a conversation. Make sure all parties involved have some kind of affirmation. Question a speaker or reiterate conversation. Deaf ears can also befall the hearing. 

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place” (George Bernard Shaw, playwright)

• Consider others first when you are communicating. Communication should always be tempered in the manner of Christ. “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body” (Prov. 16:24, NLT). Our self-serving and self-righteous attitudes should be left at the foot of the cross (Ps. 55:22; Matt. 11:28).
• Remember that genuine communication involves listening, too. There is a time and a place for everything, “for every purpose under heaven…atime to keep silence, and a time to speak…” (Ecc. 3:1,7, NKJV). That means there’s a time to say nothing. And more often than not, it’s just what’s needed. There is nothing wrong with saying nothing, if nothing is gained by saying anything. Those who know me well, know I like to talk. If I’m quiet, it’s probably because I just don’t have anything beneficial to say. Really. 

Our communication needs to be consistent with the will of God. It should stem from the Holy Spirit and keep us like-minded in Christ. Truth be told, our communication should be like Christ as should all things we do. And as in all things we are (1 Cor. 2:10-16).

What can you do to righty work communication in your life? How will you be a more Godly communicator?

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

Have you ever wondered why you were born? Or what is your purpose in this world? Many people, including believers, find this answer in the professions or careers that this world offers. In no way do I think it is wrong. However, despite having this clear in their minds, when it comes time to put it into practice, they forget what they were really created for. For this reason, as time passes, their lives become meaningless again. Emotional, spiritual, physical and intellectual exhaustion begin to gain ground in their lives so they end up feeling empty.

Today, I want to tell you a little about Samuel, a man appreciated by God. Unbeknownst to him, he was handed over to the Lord since he was in his mother's womb. This child was desired by his mother with all her heart, and Jehovah was pleased to grant this wish to Hannah. She was constantly rejected and mocked because her womb was not "blessed." However, a humbled heart and a promise were enough for the King of kings to grant this wonderful wish (1 Sam. 1:20).

Hannah, Samuel's mother, decided to give him up for the service of God's people (1 Sam. 1:27). She was aware that it would not be an easy task, quite the contrary. After desiring this miracle so much and for so long, she simply recognized that life without serving God is not worth living. So, giving her child away, even from the womb teaches us much more than we can imagine: Do we want to give our children like this? You can take some time to reflect on this.

Although they were only going to be together for approximately three years, the period of lactation (1 Sam.1:24), she trusted that God would do something more for her and for her son, since she was totally sure that this child would fulfill an enormous purpose to glorify God.

Samuel became the last judge of Israel, fulfilled a priestly role despite not being from the tribe of Levi, and he was a prophet among the people. He walked with God every day. He understood that being part of the royal bloodline was no small thing. The priests, judges, and prophets fulfilled an important role before God and that was to intercede—they intervened on behalf of the people. Today, we Christians should also practice something similar, since the Word of God tells us that we are a royal priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9). We can intercede through prayers so that God works on behalf of our brothers and sisters, and the whole world. This act is impressive and His love is so incredible that it allows us to confidently enter before His throne whenever we need His help (Heb. 4:16). And this, my dear reader, is an every day practice. Every day we must go to Him for help, even when everything seems fine.

Samuel was chosen to intercede for the people of God. He carried Jehovah’s message and correction. He brought words of love and mercy from the Heavenly Father for a barren people with a hard heart, like stone. And as if this were not enough, Samuel returned to the presence of God many times with unprecedented requests that the people made to God. However, Samuel was there asking God for mercy and help for all these people who still did not understand who Jehovah was.

The same thing happens today. We can see how many times the people of God continue to go astray, but at the same time they continue to claim their blessings. There is no doubt that God is good and His mercy is forever. And Samuel knew this perfectly since, through his temple service, he was able to get to know the living God more closely. Samuel had understood from a very young age what his purpose was on this earth, to serve the King through his gifts. This truth gave meaning to his life. We do not see Samuel complaining about his work, on the contrary, in spite of everything he declares the following: “As for me, I will certainly not sin against the Lord by ending my prayers for you. And I will continue to teach you what is good and right.” (1 Sam. 12:23, NLT) That is the true intercessory spirit, it is a spirit full of mercy and love for others. Despite their transgressions, Samuel kept praying for them because he also knew of the enormous power of God.

To be part of the royal lineage or the priesthood that Christ has given us today is to carry that spirit of mercy to the people of God (1 Pet. 2:9). This will make us grow and mature day by day, carefully observing the need for brotherhood. Just as Samuel gave himself completely to the service of the Lord and learned wonderful things in the same way we can too. The intercessory spirit of Samuel was manifested by the work of the Spirit of God, this is how the Spirit currently intercedes for us before the Father (Rom. 8:16-26).

Often, we are eager to serve the people of God intensely, but this is hard, demanding and exhausting work. Carrying the spiritual intercession for others on our shoulders is not easy at all. Samuel, despite having been a valuable and very spiritual man, also erred in neglecting his children. Perhaps, he did not do it intentionally, but the consequences of thinking that his children would learn to be like him were terrible, because his children were perverse and corrupt (1 Sam. 8: 1-3); they robbed the people and committed many injustices. This teaches us that we must intercede every day for our children because they should be the first to know Christ so that their lives can be restored.

Samuel teaches us a lot. He is a character that shows the need that the people of God should pray for everything. Even to make decisions that in our eyes may be small, but that can change our lives forever (Prov. 3:6). He also teaches us that our work for God will always be valuable as long as we do it with a sincere and humble heart, without seeking our own interests. We do not see Samuel claiming possessions, money, fame, position, or recognition; we see Samuel working with integrity, and a lot of respect.

Samuel had the wonderful blessing of being given over to the only living God, and it gave purpose to his life (1 Sam. 1:10). He was an upright judge and prophet in the eyes of Jehovah, and beyond his trades or professions, he dedicated himself completely to the King. He did not do it out of obligation, he did it because he had known from a very young age that there was only one Kingdom and one God.

Today I invite you to recognize God, and you can ask him to reign over your life and that of your family. Oh, Beloved Lord, we recognize that without you we are nothing, we recognize that many times we let other things reign over our hearts, and as if that were not enough, we ask you for blessings. Please forgive us and reign over us forever and ever! Amen.

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #Intercesion #Samuel #prayerforothers #guestwriter #blog

Seeing the I AM Clearly
Written by Kara Benson, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries

A few months ago, I had the blessing of attending the Iron Rose Sister Ministries Destination Retreat. It was an incredible experience to be surrounded by so many Spanish-speaking women of faith! I loved meeting, learning from, and growing with these Christian ladies. Hearing their personal testimonies was encouraging and worshipping together in a bilingual context was rejuvenating.

In one of her keynote addresses, Michelle made the following point: our little “I” gets in the way of seeing the great “I AM.” That statement stuck in my mind. The more I processed it, the more I realized how true it is! How many problems are caused—directly or indirectly—by me getting in the way?

A great example of this pitfall is in marriage. I love my husband. We share a lot of the same beliefs, values, opinions, and interests in life. However, that does not mean that he is me. But so often, I forget that. I expect him to think, feel, and react the same way I do. I expect him to prioritize, plan, organize a closet, load a dishwasher, set a thermostat, and decorate a Christmas tree the same way I would. And trust me, we’ve had our fair share of conflicts because of it!

It can be the same with God. Sometimes, I forget that God is not like me. From his beautiful masterpieces in nature, I know He is creative. From His amazing love letter written in three languages, I know He desires relationship. From the six days of creation followed by His cessation of labor on the seventh, I know He values hard work and rest.

But God is not like us (Psalm 50). He doesn’t get hungry; in fact, He doesn’t need anything at all. The whole world and everything in it belong to Him. God is holy. He is never indifferent to sin, even when we have a difficult time staying serious about it. God’s word judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart, whereas we cannot even judge ourselves, let alone our neighbor. God always loves us, even when others let us down. People don’t always have our best interest at heart, but God always looks out for our long-term good. We want forgiveness without a change in behavior, blessings without obedience, and love without sacrifice, but God does not. God is a merciful, forgiving, and loving consuming fire who hates sin and destroys his enemies. And that is hard to wrap my head around.

We don’t get closer to God by digging deeper into ourselves or ingesting the teachings of men. When we try to see God through the lens of ourselves, we will inevitably make God into our own image. To see the I AM clearly, I must remove myself from the picture. I must stop trying to project myself and what I like onto God and instead allow Him to define Himself through His word. It’s 2020. Are you seeing clearly?

Written by Carolina Pérez, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in New York

Many knew her. She was not a famous woman who was on television, in newspapers or magazines. She didn’t sign autographs, nor drive luxurious cars, but her service in the community where she lived benefited many and they knew very well who she was. She was recognized anywhere she went. Men and women spoke well of her, rich and poor sought her out. One day, she died, quite suddenly, but even her death favored the people around her. How absurd, right? But it’s true.

Yes, this is the story of a humble woman named Tabitha, better known as Dorcas. This woman was, without doubt, one of the most well-known women for giving a class or women’s conference on the topic of service. Almost everyone, at one time or another, had heard of her. You might be thinking, I already know this story! However, let’s see if we can discover together a little more about her.

Acts 9:36-42 narrates this unusual story. (Later, you will know why it seems unusual and you may agree with me.) As an interesting fact, her name means gazelle. We note at the beginning of the story that “she was always doing good and helping the poor” (v. 36). This helps us understand that these were not sporadic or occasional acts for Dorcas, but rather it was her way of life. It was a common thing in her day-to-day life; it was a part of her. Surely, she alluded to her name since a gazelle is agile and quick. She served others with promptness and without giving it a second thought.

She had a good reputation in her city and was a woman known in society because she helped anyone that needed economic or physical help—she sought the good of others. We don’t know her economic status, but everything she did, she did from the heart. We don’t have any information about how she came to hear the gospel and accept Jesus as her Savior. However, we can see that she that she was a woman of faith. That may seem like a hasty conclusion, but this is what we see through her works. In James 2:14-17, we can see that the evidence of our faith is our works; they cannot be disconnected. Dorcas possibly understood this concept perfectly and didn’t hesitate to put it into practice.

The Scriptures say that this woman fell ill one day and passed suddenly. What generally happened in that time was the body was prepared for burial immediately because decomposition of a cadaver doesn’t wait, especially in a warm climate. But what the people that were with her did in that moment is an untold part of the story: They washed her body and they put her in a room. They knew that the apostle Peter was in the nearby city of Lydda. They called him because they were sure that he could do something. They were all saddened by Dorcas’ death, which is normal when someone who has done so much for the community loses his or her life. What comes next is the resignation and acceptance of the loss of the beloved person. To the contrary, the people that loved her, hoped for a miracle, one like those they had heard of when they heard the gospel.

They sent two men urgently to search for Peter, and after telling him what happened, they begged him to come without delay to see her. When they arrived, there were many people crying and lamenting the loss. And here we can highlight the beautiful ministry this woman had. Verse 39 says, “Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.”

In those days, the widows were one of the social groups with least privilege; if they didn’t have children or family nearby, they were completely helpless. Yet we can see that they were not unseen by this disciple. She gave them clothes and possibly even taught them about sewing that they might, in that way, have a source of income and avoid begging in the streets, which is what often happened.

So, the apostle, upon seeing the scene, had compassion on them and, asking everyone to leave the room, prayed to God asking for the miracle that the people hoped for. The Heavenly Father responded positively to their request and, in accordance with His will, raised Tabitha. Thanks to what happened, “many people believed in the Lord” (v. 42). Who would say that even in her death, this woman was going to serve? Doesn’t this seem unusual and even a little crazy that her death has been used as an instrument for the salvation of others? This is how God works in hopeless situations, in the most mysterious ways, all for His glory.

This woman’s work was so noticeable that her story is registered in the pages of the Bible so that we can tell it and learn from her today.

What impact have you had in the place where you are—be that your home, your neighbors, your work, your school, etc.? Are you serving with love? When you pass, what legacy will you leave? How will you be remembered?

May the Lord help us to be true servants to His glory.

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #service #Tabitha #Dorcas #servefromtheheart #guestwriter #blog

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

The beautiful biblical passage in Galatians 6:2 encourages me to continue fulfilling the Christian mission of bearing the burdens of my sisters in Christ, my family, and others with whom I have relationships. Based in the love of Christ, this scripture is an exhortation of obedience, bonding, communication, and fellowship with each other.

When I say "burdens," I mean the various difficulties and adversities that as human beings and followers of Christ we will encounter in each stage of life, both physical and spiritual.

Over time, we may realize that some burdens began in our childhood. This affirms the great importance of a healthy childhood, starting as early as conception. Early childhood is the foundation of our adult lives. All along the way, we are soul, body, and heart, made with love and an existential purpose.

When thinking of ourselves as a soul, we have a spirit of life that we do not see, which makes it challenging for us to care for and understand. We dedicate a little more care to the physical or external body. However, we take only minimal care of our internal organs. We also have feelings, which flow from the human heart. The word of God says that they are deceitful, as Proverbs 4:23 tells us. We must keep our hearts pure in accordance with Matthew 5:8.

These three areas of life need to be attended to and cared for equally to achieve the first of the greatest commandment of the Lord Jesus. Faced with this need, structuring soul, body, and heart to achieve their complete harmony will present certain challenges or difficulties toward the harmony between the three. Therefore, it will take experience, acceptance, strength, and above all, a lot of wisdom and love to overcome this challenge.

Overcoming the difficulties to achieve this harmony requires walking together through each experience, obstacle, and blessing. We can turn this process into an opportunity, rather than a burden, to understand the reason for the way we interact with our peers. In interpersonal relationships, we can choose to understand, see, and recognize in others our own weaknesses and strengths, which will allow us to be better people.

Furthermore, Matthew 11:28-30 teaches that we can all go into Jesus’ presence. In Him, we learn and rest. We are invited to bear the yoke of Christ and to learn of His meekness and humble heart. The purpose is to find rest for our souls through full dependence on the Lord. Jesus helps me to observe my surroundings daily and share important challenges and sufferings with my physical and spiritual family. These are clusters of constant personal and spiritual growth.

By working with, getting involved with, and getting to know each member of the Church, we reflect the great need we have to help, build up, and love one another, as Jesus Christ Himself taught.

The Lord Jesus calls us to salvation but also invites us to heal the soul. Heal! From what? It may be from an unsuccessful way of living taught by our earthly parents, from which are called to be purified and transformed, as we read in 1 Peter 1:18.

As someone once said, “We see faces; we do not know hearts.” The prophet Isaiah, in chapter 1 and verse 5, emphasizes that "Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted"(NIV). This reminds us that, despite having been born again in the waters of baptism for a new life, there may still be situations that have occurred but not yet been consciously healed.

I know adults with significant wounds from their childhood who still show significant gaps in their relationships. One study states that approximately 89% of people with voids in their relationships were abandoned by a parent. Therefore, within the home and the church it is urgent to help understand the importance of forgiving our earthly parents for:

1. Being completely absent

2. Being very harsh in parenting

3. Not exercising authority or not being there, especially in the early stages of childhood

4. Being unloving

5. Not paying attention

6. Demonstrating immaturity

Sadly, those who suffer emptiness in interpersonal relationships agree that the wounds they feel result from not having grown up with a strong family nucleus. This results in difficulties raising their own children and even more so, an inability to assert themselves in communication with parents, spouses, colleagues, friends, and even with our Heavenly Father.

In conclusion, as daughters, let us wholeheartedly forgive the inexperience and the hurts caused by parents or caregivers as soon as possible in order to be healed. And, if we have children, let’s not hurt them. A commitment like this requires constant prayer and wisdom in the love of Christ. Let’s help each other in sharing and forgiving.

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

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life - in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.” (Phil. 2:14-16, NIV 1985)

I complain. I argue. I admit it. This is one of those lessons I might need more than you.

As I meditated on the theme of “Redefined by Holiness,” my thoughts turned to this verse. But I could only remember the middle part where it says “in which you shine like stars in the universe.” I pulled out my concordance to find the context of the verse, so I could remember what we do to shine like stars. The phrase “do everything without complaining or arguing” hit me like a sledgehammer. Oof.

But isn’t it true? Think of someone you know that rarely complains or argues. It might take you a minute because they are rare. Don’t they stand out as bright lights in the middle of all the griping and conflict in our world?

If we let God work in us to replace complaining with gratefulness, and arguing with humility, we will find ourselves redefined. The Word says we will be “blameless and pure...without fault.” Holy. Set apart. Like stars in the universe.

My favorite name for Jesus is “The Bright Morning Star” (Rev 22:16). In astronomy, the morning star refers to the brightness of Venus, the star Sirius, or Mercury when they appear in the east, right before sunrise. Jesus did not argue or complain about the mission God gave Him. He is the brightest star of all, and He will appear right before our eternal “sunrise.”

Do you struggle with complaining and arguing? Ask “The Bright Morning Star” and an Iron Rose Sister to help you this week. Then hold out that word of life and shine, Sister!