Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Written by a volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in the USA 

Singleness: quality or state of being single, unmarried.

This is recent for me. I was married for many years to a warrior for the Lord and lost him to COVID 18 months ago. It feels so strange to try and accept this: I am single.

Paul considers his singleness as a gift from God. In 1 Corinthians 7, he discusses marriage and sex and singleness in verses 1 and 2 (ESV), “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman. But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.”

A few verses later in verses 6-9 (NIV) Paul says,

I say this as a concession, not as a command. I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

Why would Paul see singleness as a gift? He explains it in verses 32-34, “I want you to be free from anxieties...” Being single gives us the ability to serve the Lord anywhere in the world, without having to consider whether our mate is also desirous of going to live where we feel called to. We are focused on serving God alone.

But in the beginning, in Genesis 2:18, God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” Paul thinks singleness is good so we can fully focus on serving God. But God knew it was not good for everyone.

I asked a good friend to share with me his thoughts on singleness. He was also married for a long time and has now been single longer than I have. He said, “It’s unnatural and it hurts.”

I agree.

God made us male and female for a reason; not just for procreation. Yes, that is a very important reason, to keep mankind alive and growing on this earth, but there is so much more to marriage than having children. After raising my children to adulthood and continuing to have the wonderful gift of marriage for many years, I long to have that relationship again; to have the daily love and support, camaraderie, laughter, physical touch, and just the joint shouldering of the burdens of everyday life together with a mate.

At this moment, a large part of me feels destroyed and empty, like a cherished old home that has been burned out and abandoned. But feelings aren’t facts. I know that I am not abandoned. My Father is always here with me, every minute of every day. When I lost my husband, my Dad in heaven gifted me with a tribe of godly friends who welcomed me (Rom. 15:7), loved me (Rom. 12:10), and encouraged me (Prov. 27:9).My tribe bore my weakness with me(Rom. 15:1-3).

God has also comforted me in surprising ways, like putting it on my heart to make a list of the burdens my husband doesn’t carry anymore. I read this list often and imagine how happy he is in paradise now (Rev. 21:4).

My Father reminds me how very fleeting life on earth in James 4:14b, “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” Compared to eternity, our lives here on earth are very short indeed. But they don’t feel short, especially when we are hurting.

I don’t know why God chose to take my husband home, nor how long I will have on this earth yet to live. Right now, the loneliness each night is like a black hole, threatening to swallow me entirely. It feels unnatural to be alone. And it hurts. So, I turn to my “Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction…” (2 Cor. 1:3-4 ESV).

I am still here. I don’t know why, but while I am, I will serve God, and follow His Word the best I can. So, I study about widowhood, “A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord” (1 Cor. 7:39).

Singleness and I are not friends. I have begun praying that God will grant me a godly man that I can love, and who will love me—someone to hold hands with as we cross the finish line of life together. For now, I can rest in Him as I wait, reminding myself of this passage often, “Be still and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10).

My Dad in heaven is infinitely better than any earthly father at screening my dates, because He can see into their minds and hearts and knows their intentions. I am confident He will bring me just the right man if I move out of the driver’s seat (which is, frankly, difficult for me!), and instead allow Him to lead.

Singleness can be a great blessing for some. But it is not for everyone. The most important thing in this life is loving and serving our Creator with all our hearts and minds and souls and strength, whether single or married. And one day we can rejoice as we discuss these events together in heaven!

Meet Carla Sumner, Secretary for the Iron Rose Sister Ministries Board of Directors!

Carla, tell us a little about yourself and your family, especially how you and your husband have been blessed to be a part of the foster care system.
My husband, Ryan, and I have been married for 22 years (23 in August). We have three kids. John is 22. Lexi is 20 and Anna is 13. John and Lexi are adopted. Actually, we fostered to adopt them. God had His plan in that part of our story.

We started out offering respite care (when a foster family needs a break, we take care of the kids, like for a weekend). With Lexi, we took care of her for a weekend because the family was going to a family reunion. Then we watched her again in August and joked with her foster family that they might just not get her back. We got to visit her again several times and the older couple that was fostering her realized that they would not be able to adopt her. They were an older couple and wanted her to go to a young family. She became a permanent part of our family on September 18, two days after the due date for a child we had miscarried.

Lexi had been in the foster system for two and a half years when she came to live with us. We adopted John when he was seven, but he had been in the foster system for four years. I finally got pregnant with Anna after years of trying. And that’s our family.

I am a licensed speech language pathologist and my husband is a special education teacher, so we were uniquely equipped to help children, especially if there are any delays in their development. We feel like foster care is something God has called us to do. Neither of us grew up with it in our own families, but I was always taught to serve and help. This was one way to do that.

We have been out of the foster system for the past fifteen years, but last September we jumped back in because some friends had a four-year-old boy with very similar issues to our son. After all we had learned in our experience with him, we knew that we could help this family and make a difference in that boy’s life.

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

If you ask two people what silence is for them, depending on their stage in life, they could have different meanings. For a mom of young children, it can be a feeling of victory because the kids finally fell asleep or a moment of alarm because they did something mischievous. For some, silence can be moments of peace and for others simply the calm before the storm. In music, a silence is a pause, but it is equally included in the music sheet. In my case it is a time to think, thank and enjoy.

I learned to love quiet moments when I can read a book or just listen to the wind. I also learned that when I stop, am quiet, and appreciate the silence, I can hear the voice of God. It may be different for you, but silence gives me happiness, it is my time for reflection and listening.

A couple of years ago I did a month-long study with a friend of Psalm 46:10, which says, "Be still and know that I am God.” Since the moment I read it, I knew that the “be still” part was going to be harder for me. It's not that I'm hyperactive, but I don't like to be doing nothing. It seems a bit unproductive, no offense. I like to multitask and optimize time in the best possible way. You could say that it is hard for me to rest and take breaks. You may have read in another of my stories how this attitude brought me health problems, but I learned (after several failed attempts). I learned and recognized that I had to be still and quiet to connect with God because if my voice was louder than His, I would not be able to hear Him.

These moments always remind me of the story of Elijah when in 1 Kings 19 the Lord appeared in a gentle whisper, “The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.” (1 Kings 19:11-13)

Whenever I need to make a decision or I am spending conscious time with God, I take a deep breath, close my eyes for a few minutes, and try to hear His voice. You may not be able to do that in a moment when you need God's guidance and you are in a place with many distractions, but if you consciously take two minutes to pay attention, I assure you that you will hear God telling you what to do.

Personally, I identify that I have made good decisions or that I have let myself be guided when I have no doubts, buts, or fears in my mind. I call this mental noise. When my mind is silent and still (something I already mentioned is hard for me), I am amazed at what I can think. I made a commitment to God and to myself that I would seek moments of silence and to stand still so that He could act in my life rather than act by having Him on the side. It is not the same to lead God in your life than to have your life be led by God. The difference is that in the first sentence you are the main character and in the second God is.

It amazes me that Elijah knew that the Lord was in the whisper and not in the other signs, although He is in all the moments of our lives and can speak to us in a thousand ways. I invite you to stay still and be quiet to listen to His voice. Practice listening to Him daily and getting rid of the mental noise to hear the whisper, learn from the silence and accept it as a moment of connection and guidance. You may not achieve it on the first try, but I know you can achieve it.

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #silence #listening #bestill #guestwriter #blog

Straight from the Word... Prayer Guide
Written by Carolyn “Jo” Gower

Iron Rose Sister Ministries has been covered in prayer from the beginning and in February, we turned our attention once again to our Father in Heaven asking for His plan in 2018 for this ministry. Prayer is also vital for our spiritual health, which is our theme this month.

The Bible mentions prayer more than 870 times. There seems to be a pattern of prayer in the Bible that should get our attention regarding our relationship with the Father. We are to communicate often with Him using His word and prayer. Prayer is not “saying prayers” but rather prayer becomes as natural as breathing as we draw closer to God. Jesus said, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself" (John 12:32, NIV). Therefore “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart...” (Heb. 10:22a, NIV).

The Bible chronicles some 650 prayers and records 450 answers. The Bible also records 10 major lessons on prayer by Jesus himself during His ministry. His disciples considered prayer training to be essential: “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples" (Luke 11:1, NIV).

So how important is it to learn how to effectively pray? We miss out on blessings, “...You do not have because you do not ask God” (James 4:2). We could miss out on playing a part in bringing many people to Christ. In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus said to His disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So, pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Jesus wants to use our prayer life as a tool to provide more workers, whether you become someone who is sent, or God uses you to do the sending. Both ways more workers will go and this will continue in fulfilling the Great Commission, Matthew 28:16-20.

As we think about Iron Rose Sister Ministries and our spiritual health, the following scriptures can be used as prayer starters. By taking one scripture at a time, it will help in flooding the gates of Heaven for the needed blessings for this ministry, for yourself, and for others.

Suggested Bible passages as prayer starters:
• Pray for your enemies. Matt. 5:43-44; Luke 6:27-28
• Pray in sincerity. Matt. 6:5-8
• The Model Prayer. Matt. 6:9-15; Luke 11:1-4
• Ask and it shall be given. Matt. 7:7-12; 1 John 5:13-15; Luke 11:5-13
• Ask for workers. Matt. 9:35-38; Luke 10:1-2
• Pray as a group in unity. Matt. 18:18-20
• Pray for all nations. Mark 11:15-17; Matt. 21:12-13; Luke 19:45-46
• Always pray and don’t give up. Luke 18:1-8
• Humble yourself before the Lord. Luke 18:9-14
• Effective prayer makes the difference. Mark 9:28-29
• Believe and don’t doubt. Mark 11:20-25; Matt. 21:18-22
• Don’t pray for show. Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:47
• Pray to overcome temptation. Mark 14:38; Luke 22:40, 46; 1 Cor. 10:13
• Pray in Jesus name and obey His commands. John 14:13-15, 15:7, 15:16, 16:23-27
• Pray with passion. Heb. 5:7

All of life’s questions can be answered straight from the Word of God including how to pray. Even when we don’t know what to pray there is help, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans” (Rom. 8:26, ESV).

We are greatly blessed serving God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit that help us pray! While you join us in praying for Iron Rose Sister Ministries, I’m praying for you as you serve Christ and grow in your spiritual health.

#IronRoseSister #spiritualhealth #prayer #Bibleprayers

It was 1999. I stood in my medium-sized closet stuffed with clothes and sighed. I had owned many of my clothes for 10 years. We didn’t really have money for new clothing very often and I was fortunate enough to have stayed the same weight for that length of time. “I am so tired of these clothes,” I said to myself.  “I wish I had a new white blouse, some new jeans, and some new dresses and skirts.” But I had been working on distinguishing between wants and needs and trying to be more thankful and content for what I already had.  So I said “Lord, I don’t needthose things though. I have a lot more clothes than most people in the world.  Help me be more content.”

A few weeks later, I got a call from a young mom I had just met.  

Guest Author, Brenda Brizendine

Psalm 37:4
4 Take delight in the LORD,
and He will give you the desires of your heart.

When I was growing up and starting taking an interest in boys, I started to imagine how my life would be as a married woman. A beautiful home, a loving husband and many children!
I had many goals to accomplish too! Complete and graduate from secondary school, go to college and graduate there too! Of course, I was also imagining in becoming a successful person in the professional world. But I never stopped thinking about the person I would get married to and would share my life with.

Time was passing... I was accomplishing my academic goals, and started my professional life. Ah! But I also started getting more involved in the service to the Lord in my congregation. I had to do well in all areas. But I couldn’t stop thinking, who will be the person that God has for me?

Without noticing it, I started paying more much attention to the idea of being married, and yes, I have to say it, I became a little obsessed. My friends started to have boyfriends, then getting married and having children and wonderful families. And I continued thinking, whom is God going to send for me? (My relatives also started to remind me that I was “lacking something”, because I wasn’t getting younger).

In my worry of fulfilling “my dream”, I started a couple sentimental relationships that left my heart in pieces. Was it their fault? Was it my fault because I let myself fall in love? But, what about “my” dream? God, why you are not fulfilling my desire?

One afternoon, during a Bible study meeting, the person teaching invited us to read 1 Corinthians 7, where it is mentioned that single women should get busy in the Lord’s matters. It was then when I understood that it was the time for me to pay attention to the Lord Jesus and not to any of the other “things” that I had in my agenda. That was the moment that I had to serve Him, all in!

Only then, when I started to focus my sight, my time and “my” agenda in the Lord’s matters, I learned to get to know Him better, to delight in Him and be more like the person that He wants me to be.

It was when I was all in and delighting in Him, that the man of my dreams came to my life. (I’ve been married for 5 years and have a beautiful daughter as a result of this marriage).

I don’t know what desire you have in your heart and is making you believe that God has forgotten to fulfill. I know that He is a Good God, and that His will is good, pleasing and perfect for each of us. (Romans 12:2)

My message here is not about seeking God just with the intention of fulfilling your desire or get something in exchange. My message is that as a result of seeking Him first and delighting in Him (Matthew 6:33); when you are all in, there will be overabundant blessings and, your dream, or the Lord’s dream will be fulfilled in you (Psalm 138:8).

Colossians 3:1-4 2Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

#IronRoseSisterMinistries #IRSM #allin #delightinHIM

Written by Jocelynn Goff, mother of Iron Rose Sister Ministries’ Founder and Director Michelle J. Goff

What’s your learning style? I’ve been asked that question at several medical appointments. The nurse wanted to know how I would best receive the information and directions from the doctor.

There is purpose in knowing our own learning style for ourselves, in a classroom, our workplace, a doctor’s appointment, daily conversations, and more. There’s also purpose for understanding this in our relationships and interactions with others. When we interact with a child, family member, friend, neighbor, or coworker it is helpful if we can understand even a little bit of how they learn to have realistic expectations for their retaining the information we are sharing.

There are four basic types of learning styles: visual, auditory, read/write, and kinesthetic.

If I’m a visual learner, then the doctor’s approach could be to show me a picture of the affected part of my body or write a list of directions out for me. To help myself process and retain learning I could use a picture, a graph, a daily organizer, a list, or see a finished product. In relationships, I could utilize those same tools. Obviously, it would be a natural process and not a “let me teach you this way” kind of format.

For an auditory learner, the doctor may give verbal instructions and quite possibly ask me to repeat them back to him. To help myself or in relationships, I could possibly ask if the information can be repeated back either verbatim or by rewording it using their or my own words. A song can also be a useful tool for imparting information. Family stories passed down through the generations are an additional significant, powerful learning tool.

If read/write is my best learning style, then the doctor may share a website for me to research or give me a printed copy of the diagnosis and instructions. Additionally, I can seek other reliable sources in books, websites, journals, or other recommended documents. For myself and in relationships, rewriting the information or just reading it for myself are useful tools.

For a kinesthetic learner, a hands-on approach is best, so the doctor may use a model of the affected body part for me to touch and possibly a simulation of movements that are helpful in the healing process. For myself and in relationships, effective hands-on types of activities include drawing, cooking, eating, taking a hike alone or with a friend, planting a garden, or creating an artistic design.

God, who created learning styles, used all of them in the celebration of the Passover meal. Before Easter, I was reading about Pesach Seder (Passover meal) in an article our Bible class teacher shared. This part of the reading jumped out at me,

“…the Pesach Seder is one of the most carefully constructed learning experiences ever created. In an amazing combination of aural and tactile learning tasks, the Seder has something for everybody—a drink, food, symbols, prayers, songs, stories, philosophy, text study, simulations, ritual actions—all designed with one overall goal” to take each person at the Seder back to Egypt, to re-enact the dramatic Exodus story, to make each one of us feel as she or he had actually been redeemed from Mitzrayim (Egypt).”This exposure in all of the learning styles ensures that the overall goal is accomplished for each individual to experience Passover and its significant meaning.

Similarly, Jesus, as the Master Teacher, employed all of the learning styles. For the visual learner, He let His listeners visualize the birds of the air and the lilies of the field in Matthew 6:25-33. For the auditory learner, He gave the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. For the read/write learner as He spoke to an expert in the Law, “What is written in the Law?” He replied, “How do you read it?” (Luke 10:26). For the kinesthetic learner, there are a plethora of examples, such as when He feeds the 5,000 (Mark 6:30). He even employs several styles at once when He draws with His finger on the ground (John 8:6). Jesus is truly the Master Teacher and gives us every opportunity to know Him and learn from His teachings in our own learning style.

The book, Called to Listen by Michelle J. Goff, employs the various learning styles through 40 days of listening: “to the Good Shepherd, the Creator, the Father, the Son, the Spirit, and through the five senses.” This may even expand your learning abilities in styles you’ve previously been unaware of that speak to you.

I encourage you to find your learning style and begin to recognize this in the relationships around you. I invite you to read Called to Listen to hear the message our Heavenly Father speaks “… through His Word, through nature, through Christian brothers and sisters, even through silence…” This book offers you prompts to use your five senses and explore your learning style.

So, are you primarily a visual, auditory, read/write, or kinesthetic learner? Share or demonstrate in the comments!

Footnote:
This Seder outline was adapted from The Art of Jewish Living: The Passover Seder by Dr. Ron Wolfson, published by the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs and the University of Judaism, 1988. Additions and edits by Daniel B. Stockstill, 1999.

Thank you for...
Written by Débora Rodrigo de Racancoj

We have the habit of praying together every night before putting my four-year-old daughter into her bed. Her prayers are so pure and innocent that, at times, I would like to pray in the same way that she does. Each sentence in her prayer begins with "Thank you for...". It does not matter if she is actually making a request, she will also use the expression "thank you for...". I do not think I will ever forget that night when, after some thieves entered our home to steal, she ended her day with "Thank you, Lord for the bad guys who have taken our things." Of course her intention was not to be grateful for what had happened, but this made me think about it.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us that God's will is that we give thanks to God in everything. Not only in good times. I personally struggle to thank God for all the good things He gives me every day. There are many of them. But there are very few that I thank, mainly because most of them go by without me being aware that they are gifts from God (James 1:17).

And if I am unable to overcome this first test, how much more will the second cost me: being grateful for those not so pleasant things that happen in my life. James 1:2-4 encourages us to consider the trials as a reason for joy, I surmise that also as reasons of gratitude. It is true that the trials are those moments that make us mature as Christians and help us to be complete and perfect, as James mentions in his letter. It is not, therefore, out of place to give thanks during those times, perhaps not for the pain and suffering that they make us go through, but for the opportunity that they offer for our lives as Christians.

I challenge you to imitate my daughter before going to bed tonight, and try to complete an entire prayer in which each sentence begins with the expression "Lord, thank you for...". I'm sure that we have many more reasons to be grateful than what we normally find.

Thankful for His Faithful Promises
Written by Erica Peck

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100

One of the phrases I find myself most praying when talking to God is “and thank you for your faithful promises.” I am SO thankful that He calls me daughter (1 John 3:1). He has called me by name (Rev 3:5). It is written on the palm of His hand. I am His (Isaiah 43:1). He will never leave me, or forsake me (Joshua 1:5). Instead, He faithfully promises to carry my burdens (Matt. 11:28-30). He’s already gone on ahead of me (but not without leaving me a faithful counselor (John 14:26)) to go and prepare a place for me—in His eternal home (John 14:3). He waits for me with arms open wide, and my homecoming will be precious to Him (Ps. 116:15).

Even as I write these words and am reminded of His faithful promises once again, it brings tears to my eyes because of how much He loves me. He wants me. And I am His. These are only a handful of the faithful promises He gives us. We have much to be thankful for.

So, let us come before him today with gladness, joyful songs of praise and thanksgiving, knowing that the love and faithfulness of our LORD endures forever, and continues through all generations.

And God said, “I will be with you.” Exodus 3:12a

*Written by Rachel Baker
On the rare days when my son is the only one at home with me, I know from the start of the day that we will be spending a lot of time in close proximity. It’s not that he always wants to do things with me, but he likes to know that I’m close by – just in case. If I’m being honest, I completely understand how he feels. There is comfort in knowing that the person who cares for you is right there with you, able to help when you need it.

There are many times in scripture when we see the I AM extending this same comfort to His people. When the Lord tells Moses he is being sent to Pharaoh to bring the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses responds with doubt and fear: “Who am I that I should go?” (Exod. 3:11). This sounds a lot like my kids when they are nervous and doubt their own abilities: “But, I can’t do it!” The I AM reassures Moses by saying, “I will be with you” (Exod. 3:12). In the book of Judges, we see where Gideon is told to go and save Israel from Midian. In a reaction similar to Moses, he questions the Lord’s command, asking how he can do such a huge task. The I AM is consistent in His response: “I will be with you” (Judges 6:16).

In this season of thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for the ultimate example of God’s presence among us:
“...an angel of the Lord appeared to [Joseph] in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ – which means, ‘God with us.’” Matthew 1:20b-23

Not only did our Lord come down to live among us, He also promises to never leave us:

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20b)

Just like my son is comforted by my presence, we can take comfort in knowing that when we need Him most, we are able to rest in the I AM who is with us... always.

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

Before going into these lines, I would like to invite you to remember what was your vocation during your childhood?

Now let me tell you my own story: When I was a child, most of the time I used to play being a doctor and healing people, so it was very common to receive gifts that were related to this type of games, and as I was growing up, my family made the fact that I would be a great doctor. At that time, what was a child's play became a reality. At the end of my nursing studies, I studied medicine, but in spite of me not finishing the medicine career I aimed my life at the health sciences. I am currently a yoga instructor and I'm focusing in offering yoga as a way to prevent health diseases, and I’m constantly using my knowledge gained from the past as a nurse as a tool in restorative Yoga. Nowadays, I consider that this was part of the vocation to which God was calling me, and I clearly see how that vocation became part of who I am: My identity.

After reflecting on my own vocation, it reminded me of some words of Paul to the Ephesians in chapter 4:1b-6 “... I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences. You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness (MSG)

Vocation is defined as the inclination that a person feels inside to dedicate himself to a certain task. Others also define it as a spiritual awakening that prompts you to lead a way of life. However, Paul has a broad perspective on this word and an important meaning on our identity, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (NIV).

Almost 15 years ago, I accepted this vocation by going to the waters of baptism and following Christ, of course it has not been the easiest part of my life, but I am totally convinced that my life is constantly being renewed in this call of following Jesus Christ, and having the greatest blessing of serving in multiple ways. This is the seal that Christ gave me, that I can show His love to others although things around me are changing and perhaps things are not going well. I am aware of this call of Christ: -Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love-. And also, I think this is the new identity that we receive in Ephesians 4: 23-24, “To be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness".

Written by Wendy Neill

It was especially hot that day. The rain had poured down hard on me all night, and then the sun was relentless, driving up the humidity in the air. I looked down the length of my body, and there they were, as always. Scars. And knots. I was so twisted and broken. My bark was rough and falling off, leaving the tender part of me exposed. Did I see any fruit? No. I was lucky if one pitiful piece of fruit would show up every other year, despite all my efforts. With all this rain and sun, why couldn’t I produce fruit? I am on a fruit tree, for crying out loud!!

Written by Débora Rodrigo de Racancoj
Have you ever asked yourself how you would have acted if you had lived around Jerusalem while Jesus did? I have, several times. There are so many things in the Gospels that catch my attention about Jesus and the people He encountered!
There must have been something fascinating about the way Jesus spoke and acted. It cannot otherwise be explained why multitudes followed Him, traveling long distances. Desperate sufferers sought to meet Him; sinners did their best to find a suitable place to watch Him just walk by. An encounter with Jesus, even at a distance, had great power. One only had to cross paths with Jesus; touch Him, talk to Him; sometimes, someone simply verbalized a need; miracles happened. What would you have done if it were commented among your neighbors that Jesus was getting close to your city?
When Jesus was on this earth, many had the opportunity to approach Him.
But since He ascended many years ago, we inhabitants of this planet have not had the opportunity to go out and look for Him in bodily form.
However, things have not changed so much since that time. Even today, He can be found among us, in a very similar way as it is told to us in the Gospels. Jesus continues to draw crowds, continues to put peace in hearts, continues to free us from sin and heal from disease.
What would you do if you knew that Jesus would be walking this afternoon in the streets of your city? Are you one of those who would follow Him for miles? Would you look for a tree to climb and watch Him pass, without the crowd bothering you? Would you run to just touch His mantle knowing that in this way you could be free from your affliction?
Open your Bible, search the gospels, watch Jesus walking just a few steps away. He is the same Jesus as before, with the same power, the same characteristics, and is as real as He was so many years ago. Open your mouth and talk to Him, look at Him, follow Him, approach the Master.

Written by Elina Vath, Virtual Assistant for Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Ohio 

Each week across city, region, country, and hemisphere, we commemorate together the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through the Lord’s Supper. Redemption and salvation through Jesus were foretold in the garden of Eden, fulfilled in Jerusalem, and will continue until He returns.

Before His death, Jesus entered Jerusalem as King, just as the prophet Zechariah said He would. And although it was the last week of Jesus’ human life, He did not receive any relief from those who were determined to see Him fail. Time after time, Jesus looked straight into the hearts of the teachers of the law and completely annihilated their arguments. In a single day, Jesus sent the Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees home with their tails between their legs.

Chapter 22 of Matthew’s account of Jesus’ life tells us that the Sadducees attempted to trap Him with a question meant to disprove the resurrection. Jesus knew the scheming intention behind the Sadducees’ question for exactly what it was: a weak attempt to show His ignorance of Moses’ teachings, as if Jesus Himself hadn’t been there when Moses floated in a basket on the Nile, murdered the Egyptian, met his wife, removed his sandals, spread his arms over the Red Sea, and breathed his last.

I picture Jesus shaking His head, sighing a heavy sigh, and then effectively bulldozing the Sadducees' trap with these words, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God” (Matt. 22:29 ESV). No signs of intimidation or hesitation; rather, Jesus spoke with authority. “You are WRONG,” He told the richest, most powerful Jews of the time. But Jesus didn’t stop there. He then accused the Sadducees of not having done their homework, bringing the conversation to a full stop.

And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.(Matt. 22:31-32)

You see, Jesus knew Moses personally. And when God said to Moses in the book of Exodus, “I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” Jesus watched as Moses was overcome by the sheer power of those words. Matthew tells us that Jesus’ wisdom and power in repeating these words had the same impact on the Sadducees and everyone who heard Him speak—they were all astonished.

Everything about God is alive. His words are alive, His Spirit is alive, His Son is alive, His kingdom is alive, and we are part of this living kingdom. Abraham, who looked at the stars in the night sky, as God made a promise, is alive. Isaac, the one through whom God began fulfilling that promise, is alive. Jacob, the forefather of Moses and someone used by God to preserve Jesus’ bloodline, is alive. Those who have gone before us are alive. Generation to generation, here we stand today, thousands of years later, as followers of the God of (the living) Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Because of Jesus, who is the Life, you and I are counted among the stars in heaven. Generation upon generation of God’s people will live even after our bodies die.

May we all rejoice together at the history of our faith family, and that our names are written in the heavens as part of a promise that continues to be fulfilled.

Written by Débora Rodrigo de Racancoj

There is a sea animal called oyster that you may have heard of. It is a very valuable mollusk that is one of the most exquisite dishes found in high-end restaurants.
But oysters are not only recognized for their taste. Some species of oysters are also nacre producers. They polish and gloss inside their shell for long periods of time, creating precious pearls. These pearls are collected one by one and are considered authentic treasures by those who are dedicated to looking for them. A string of these pearls, are precious jewels, created and worn beautifully by those women whose pocketbooks can afford them.

I do not know how much value you would give to a necklace made of the most prestigious pearls, or how much you would like to wear some at the next special event you will attend. But the Bible, which holds the value of pearls in high esteem, speaks eloquently of another much more precious jewel. "Coral and crystal are not to be mentioned; and the acquisition of wisdom is above that of pearls" (Job 28:38). There is no gemstone in the whole world, no jewel created, which is more valuable than acquiring wisdom.
Every morning, after getting up, or every time I leave the house, I spend some time preparing myself and getting ready. Honestly, I do not usually think about wisdom at that moment. Accompany me in a new challenge; from now on, every time you get ready in the morning, when you choose one of the outfits in your wardrobe, every time you comb or put on make-up, do not forget to wear the most beautiful jewel placed at your disposal, and there, in front of the mirror of your room, pray to God for wisdom.
Let us seek it, let us ask for it... let us clothe ourselves in wisdom.

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

How often do we do something without thinking it through first? The answer should be…constantly. In fact, God created our brain to direct various functions of the body without our having to think about them or be completely conscious of them. The actions and reactions of the nervous system, digestion and respiration, for example, do not need our attention.

One of the greatest problems that human beings have is that we often speak or have conversations as if our capacity to speak were merely one of these unconscious acts. We speak without meaning to. We don’t guard our tongue when we should. Or we let moments pass when we should have spoken the truth because we are not aware.

When God created the universe, light, land, animals – and humans – He did it with words. “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light…God called the light ‘day,’ and the darkness he called ‘night’…” (Gen. 1:3-5, NIV). In the first chapter of her book Speak Love: Making Your Words Matter, Annie F. Downs writes that God could have created the world by coughing or with His hands or His thoughts, but He didn’t do it that way. More than half of the verses in Genesis 1 record God’s words - communication was integral to creation.

More than this, our Creator formed us in His image (Gen. 1:26-27), giving us also the capacity to communicate – and not only to communicate, but to create with our words. What is it that, at least in part, creates a friendship? A marriage? An idea put into practice, or a new business? Words! Communication gives life to desires and thoughts. We have the capacity to create because God gave us the gift of the spoken word.

In the first communication from Adam of which the Bible informs us, he himself gives names to the animals, in the same way that God named the day and the night: “…whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name” (Gen. 2:19b, NIV). Names are important, as are the words that we use to describe something. Our words contribute to forming perceptions of everything around us and even of what we think of ourselves. Most importantly, our words can impact the self-perceptions of others. Communication redefined recognizes the power of creation that exists in our words.

We are reminded of this power in Proverbs: “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit” (15:4, NIV), and also “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (18:21, NIV).

If the power of life and death resides in our words, shouldn’t we consider them carefully? How is it that we can treat so casually this incredible gift that God has given us? When we put down another woman, when we disparage our husband or criticize our children without thinking, we sow thorns instead of planting a tree of life. We must give thought to the fruits that our words produce in the lives of others.

How can you use your words today to create life?

Written by Ann Thiede, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

I’ve been on a prayer journey for fifty years, from my nineteenth year when embracing Jesus as Lord and Savior until the present. What a glorious journey it has been from a heartfelt wobbly prayer spoken out loud to the God of the universe! I’m so glad to share with you some highlights with the hope that your own journey will be empowered.

All good relationships involve talking and listening. Early in this journey I began learning the truth of Hebrews 4:12 (NIV): “For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow: it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” God would speak at times to tear down sin in my heart and mind, but also highlight reminders of His unfailing love: “The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: ‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel!’” (Jer. 31:3,4 NKJV). I found the power of confession and forgiveness, walking beside King David as he, too, faced the sin he had committed, and I prayed what he penned: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10 ESV).

Prayer became very personal in difficult times. I’ve loved David’s sentiments in Psalm 23 and learned to pray it first person:
“Lord, You are my Shepherd; I lack nothing. You make me lie down in green pastures; You lead me beside quiet waters; You refresh my soul. You guide me along the right paths for Your name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff they comfort me…”(taken from Psalm 23 NIV)

Beyond personal needs, joining our church’s prayer chain as a young mother increased my desire to pray for others. I learned the needs of some I had never met and the value of lifting them up to the Father. Often some would be on the list day after day, week after week, teaching perseverance. Many supplications involved medical/health issues. As I developed closer relationships, prayers were needed for the soul and spirit as well. To counter discouragement or despair, I learned to share Paul’s words: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe” (Eph. 1:18, 19 NIV).

About ten years ago while traveling with my husband, I began a written list in the iPhone Notes app labeled ‘Prayers.’ The phone was an easy tool as it allowed an immediate way to record people in need. And my memory can be terrible! I did not want to say I’d pray and then forget. The list ballooned and became downright unmanageable. I struggled lifting everyone up daily. So, the thought came to categorize. I bought a lined journal for weekly prayers. Monday became ‘Missions’ to lift up those serving locally and abroad. Tuesday included ‘Cancer and Serious Illness’ and Wednesday, ‘Addictions.’ I won’t share the rest. If you decide to embark on something similar, it will be your Spirit-led categories. I keep the daily categories for a month and then update, making new pages. And I’ve found great joy leaving room at the bottom of each page for praise and thanksgiving when God answers!

Along with better organizing, God has led me on a journey of greater belief. Would I take Jesus seriously when He spoke such words as “Everything is possible for one who believes!” in Mark 9:23 (NIV) and the beautiful discourse about asking, seeking, knocking and the promise of God giving, the seeker finding, and doors opening (Matt. 7:7-8)? How could I not! These promises became foundational in my prayer life, believing my Father not only heard, but would answer according to His glorious and good will. He has given me solace for those battling with advanced, relentless cancer as supplications continued for comfort, peace and healing, knowing that His perfect plan could mean healing in the next life.

A few final thoughts: If possible, correspond with people for whom you pray, or sometimes their loved ones, to find out pertinent needs using texts, phone calls, Facebook posts and Messenger. People are blessed when they know you lift them up consistently. Pray specifically, not general prayers. And I prefer a private place to pray out loud, though praying at anytime, anywhere, is our calling. In fact, we’re told to ‘pray continually’ (1 Thes. 5:17 NIV). As we encounter needs, pray. As we see someone’s hurt or pain, reach out and pray, right then and there. As we see beauty in all varieties, pray with praise. Instead of worrying, pray and praise (Phil. 4: 6).

As you’ve read, what is one thing you will put into practice to strengthen your personal prayer life?

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #intercession #prayer #prayspecifically #praycontinually #prayconsistently #prayforothers #guestwriter #blog

Written by Jennifer Percell, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Missouri

When I read the story of Jairus, I always feel a jolt of the panic this man must have felt as he fell to his knees at Jesus feet. His little girl was dying. But Jairus had to watch as a crowd came between him and his only hope. He must have felt terrible anxiety as the Savior stopped to speak to the woman who had touched His cloak. As Jesus told the woman to go in peace, Jairus must have wondered if he had any hope for peace. And then the news came that a parent cannot bear. His little girl was gone. He was told to stop bothering the Teacher. The crushing pain barely had time to set in though before Jesus offered new hope. The roller coaster of emotion ended with a family reunited and death stopped in its tracks. A scene only God can orchestrate, a resurrection.

I have not suffered the death of a child, but I have begged Jesus to save my children from spiritual death. There was a time when my fears for them left me panicked much like Jairus. A few years ago, I entered a very dark season. One of my dearest friends, my faithful, kind mother-in-law was nearing the end of her life. We were privileged to have her living with us in her final illness, but the pain of watching her fade away was weighing us down.

On a day when we were at the hospital helplessly watching cancer steal our loved one, I decided to go home for a shower. On the drive I spoke to a dear friend who had just lost his brother to a terrible crime. I felt that my heart could not take another ounce of pain. When I arrived at our house and brought in the mail there was a letter from our daughter. This letter confirmed my worst fears that this precious daughter had walked away from her faith.

Beginning that horrible day, I fell into what I now describe as a paralysis of my heart. I knew my number one purpose was to raise my children with strong faith and I had failed at all that really mattered.

Then, just as my mother-in-law entered the last few weeks of her life, another tragedy struck. My precious big sister, confidante and best friend was stricken with severe dementia and unable to live in her home. It was up to me to make very hard decisions concerning her care. My sorrow grew deeper. My faith did not waver but I identified very much with Jesus, the Man of sorrows.

At the lowest point of this season of despair, I became ill myself. It was necessary to take medical leave from one of the few jobs still functioning during COVID lock-down. I loved my days cooking for the elderly at a nursing home and now I had to abandon them in their lock-down loneliness.

My tears seemed to be the only constant in my life and like Jairus I felt that God had turned to help someone else in spite of my constant prayers for Him to intervene in all these crises. I began to feel that joy and laughter were inappropriate, that until my child returned to the Lord and my loved ones had relief, I had no right to be happy.

Jesus told Jairus not to be afraid, to believe and his girl would be healed. Slowly, gently, Jesus found ways to tell me not to be afraid. Somewhere in the midst of my frantic prayers and accompanying darkness, I came to the end. The end of uselessly rehearsing conversations again and again in my mind to see what I had said wrong or could fix. The end of offering God plans, ideas, and suggestions of how to change these hopeless situations. The end, I guess, of me: me trying to change all the things I had absolutely no control over. When Jairus was told his daughter was dead, he must have felt it was the end, the end of any solution he could see to his great need.

And at that end, God begins. When all our solutions are gone, all our fixes are broken and there is nothing left, we are finally ready for God. The mourners at Jairus' house had accepted the end. They laughed at the idea that Jesus could change death. Jesus, however, as always, had the last word. The Bible tells us He took the child by the hand, her spirit returned and she stood up.

When I felt I had reached my end, God could begin to reason with me. There were days when I truly understood I was not alone. I saw that asking God to heal my daughter's faith and care for my health, my sister and my grief for my mother-in-law, required me to understand that He heard my cries. I began to see my prayers as the act of handing the whole package of burdens to God and walking beside Him, free of the weight I could not carry. Each step taken when I let Jesus carry the pain, became lighter, until one day I realized that I could laugh. I could walk beside Jesus and feel joy.

Just as Jairus walked back to the house with Jesus, not knowing his daughter would live again, I still walk with so many unknowns. My daughter is still living without God, my mother-in-law is no longer here with us, my sister is out of my reach in her broken mind, and my illness is unresolved. But like the child raised by Jesus, my spirit has returned.

I learned that I can walk with deep sorrow and deep joy hand in hand. My heart can contain earth's anguish and heaven's peace as Jesus walks with me toward the resolutions I have prayed for. Someone has said, in Jesus a waiting season does not need to be a wasted season. Faith gives us constant hope of healing, peace and the resurrection of lost souls.

So sister, get up, wash your face, and live, because the Great Physician, the Resurrecting Jesus is on His way to raise your heart up and give you joy.

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #resurrection #guestwriter #hope

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

In the world of immediacy, like the one we are living in now, we love that everything happens quickly and without waiting. But if this happened, we would skip the transformation process. And God is more interested in the process than the end result.

Today I’d like to invite you to review the story of Zechariah in Luke 1:5-25. Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth "Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly" (vs. 6 NIV). They were a couple that served God faithfully. One day, when Zechariah was in the sanctuary offering incense to God as part of his work as a priest, an angel appeared to him and said:

“Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” (vs. 13-18 NIV)

The angel lets us know something that Zechariah's heart yearned for and surely his wife's as well: to have a child. How do we know that? Because the angel told him that his prayer had been heard and that Elizabeth would have a son.

Have a son at this age? – Zechariah and Elizabeth might have wondered.

We might think that Zechariah's prayer was a prayer answered out of time. But despite the fact that it seems that the answer came delayed in time, Solomon reminds us that God "made everything beautiful in his time" (Eccl. 3:11a).

The surprise of that promise for Zechariah was so great that the angel left him speechless. What could have happened during that time? How did Zechariah experience that time of silence? The Bible does not recount the specific time during which Zechariah was unable to speak, but it does say what he did after John's birth: “Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God” (Luke 1:64).

In my personal opinion, I believe that the time Zechariah spent in silence processing the fulfillment of a promise helped him get to know God more and have a closer relationship with Him. Otherwise, Zechariah would not have blessed God after he could speak.

As I read the story of Zechariah, I learn how powerful it is to persevere in prayer, to continue fulfilling the ministry God has given us, even when there are still unanswered prayers, and to wait quietly with the firm confidence that He will be glorified in our lives, at the right time.

If today your story is similar to Zechariah’s, I invite you not to lose heart in prayer, to remain firm in the ways of the Lord and to remember this great promise: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Ps. 46.10).

Trust God, He has already heard your prayer.

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #silence #faithprocess #trust #Zachariah #guestwriter #blog

In conclusion for this month, I am going to share one final story from chapter 12, Who Has the Last Word?Her story serves as an excellent example of recognizing the lie, replacing it with truth, and remembering the truth through God´s Word.

Linda’s Story
The enemy is so deceiving. He is aware of our weakness and ready to charge when the gates are open. “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). God has entrusted in us to keep Him as our gatekeeper.

When I thought my gate was secure, I had myself in a very vulnerable position. There is most likely one main reason why I was so vulnerable: I wasn’t allowing God to be Lord of my life.

My husband and I had been raising three beautiful children. Dan worked hard to provide, so that I could be a stay at home mom: a privilege I dreamed of being. We were trying our best to raise our children up in the Lord, attending church, making sure they were in Sunday school, involved in youth activities, paying for them to attend a private Christian school, active in our service for God, and surrounded by Christian friends.

We had learned the “way of the Christian life.” It was challenging. We had both been raised in loving homes but did not have the example of what a Christian home looked like. I am very grateful for these privileges God granted and blessed us with. And the mercy He had on our
parenting skills.

From the outside, our lives looked pretty well intact. But I had learned to act the part. In other words, I was not in a deep enough relationship with God to know Him very well, and to rely on Him, rather than on myself. So one of the first lies I believed that my life was “good enough.” Especially when I compared it to my parents’, I was doing so much better than what I had been taught. Oh, the sin of arrogance.

My husband had been running his own business for several years. Being self-employed has many of its own challenges, and it definitely takes much of your time and energy. So, to make this long story short, and so that I don’t write my own book within Michelle’s book, I will just put this right out there: I fell into the sinful relationship of an affair.

It was a very selfish choice on my part and there are no good excuses. I blame no one but myself. But on the other hand, and brighter side of this story, I have repented, been forgiven and redeemed by the love, grace, and mercy of our amazing and victorious God.My husband and family have also granted me that same love and forgiveness. Our marriage is restored! All glory and honor to God!!!!

It was shortly before my oldest graduated from high school. My kids were becoming more independent, and I wasn’t feeling as needed by them. My husband was working very hard to provide and manage his business, so I started feeling lonely and believing many lies:
 Lie: I’m not important to my husband.
 Lie: I’m not a priority.
 Lie: I feel so empty.
 Lie: My husband doesn’t care about what I’m doing each day.
 Lie: All he wants from me is sex.
 Lie: I deserve better.
 Lie: This other man has become a better friend than my own husband; he cares more about me.
 Lie: This other man knows me and understands me better than even my own family does.
 Lie: God must have brought us together.

I truly believe if I had been into God’s Word and seeking Him for fulfillment, I would not have fallen. His word is truth and it has the capability to empower, strengthen, protect, and change. And without it, I would have no hope. If I had continued down that road of sin, I would not have the power of God within me to see the truth of His promises now. He brings goodness, mercy, grace, and faithfulness.

I am forever grateful for God’s loving compassion, and His patience. He says He will never leave us. That is a promise, and I believe it! Although I had turned from Him, God still pursued me and fought for me. He loves each and every one of us that much! I praise God for the truth of His Word that brought me out of a slimy pit and back into His loving arms. Even after heading down the road of repentance, I still had to battle with the lies.

 Lie: I hurt too many people to be forgiven.
 Lie: My sin is too big to recover from.
 Lie: Even if God forgives me, no one else will.
 Lie: I was so foolish. I should’ve known better. How could I have done this to my family? (Forgiving myself was a huge battle.)

With the support and patience of my loving husband and family, as well as other people in my life that had my best interest at heart, they constantly pointed the way to God. My willingness and desire to surrender my heart back to God allowed Him to speak truth back into me. Just a few of the verses, marked in my Bible, which spoke truth, hope, and love over me were these:

 The truth is, God means what He says. “Every word of God is flawless” (Prov. 30:5).
 The truth is, nothing I do or don’t do can change the love my God has for me. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is     the GIFT of God, not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph. 2:8-9).
 Truth: I don’t have to rely on my own strength. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).
 Another truth: God understands me and loves me, a lot! “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Ps.         86:15).
 Truth: There is hope when I submit to God, and He will restore what I’ve messed up. “... in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:6).
 Truth: God wants to protect me and bless my life. “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness” (John 10:10).
 The truth: God knows I will fall and He promises to catch me. “The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The Lord upholds all who fall” (Ps.           145:13-14).

Praise God for His most perfect gift, the Bible! There is no other avenue more convicting and empowering than God’s Word.

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all,” (2 Cor. 13:14) as you embrace the abundant life He offers. Amen.

This month, we are highlighting various portions of the book Who Has the Last Word? Cutting through Satan’s Lies with the Truth of God’s Word. We invite you to gather a group of women this fall and walk together to Recognize the Lies, Replace the Lies with Truth and Remember the Truth through specific scriptures.

#IronRoseSister #WhoHastheLastWord #rememberthetruth #truth #WLW