Iron Rose Sister Ministries

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

Whenever I study the Bible with someone, especially someone who has been newly introduced to in-depth study of God’s Word, I love when we get to the point of studying Acts 8:26-40 and the story of the Ethiopian Eunuch. Not only is it a story of baptism, but there are other exemplary priorities and historical clues we learn from this story.

First, I encourage you to read the entire story for yourself to get the flow of the events that take place. That is my practice when studying it with a seeker. The person you are studying with, and the Ethiopian Eunuch have that in common—they are both seekers! Congratulate one another for being seekers of God and His ways!

Now that you have read the full story (Acts 8:26-40), we are going to highlight four facets of the eunuch’s exemplary character.

26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship,

1. The Ethiopian understood the importance of worshipping YHWH, the one true God, in His temple. Up until the time of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, God commanded the Jews and any converts to Judaism to worship Him in Jerusalem, at the temple. The distance between the lower Nile region, Ethiopia, and Jerusalem was more than 2,500 miles (over 4,000 km). By chariot, it would take him nearly a month to get one-way to Jerusalem (85 hours by car). The eunuch, an important official in the queen’s treasury service, likely took a lengthy sabbatical in order to worship; it was that high of a priority for him and he was not ashamed of his need to worship a different God than the queen he served.

28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet.

2. The second thing I appreciate about the Ethiopian eunuch was that he understood the importance of reading the Scriptures. It was not common for someone to have their own copy of the scrolls of the written text of the Old Testament. However, we see that this Ethiopian had come to faith in God and recognized how important it was to read whatever portion of the Bible he had access to.

29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.
31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

3. The third exemplary characteristic of the Ethiopian is that when he had a question, he asked! God provided an answer and an explanation through His servant, Philip. God recognized that the Ethiopian was a seeker, similarly to the way that Jesus recognized that the Samaritan woman was a seeker in John chapter 4.

34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

God sent Philip running alongside the chariot where God knew that he would overhear the Ethiopian reading the prophet Isaiah. Isn’t it exciting when we hear or see someone reading their Bible? Have you known the joy of sharing the good news with someone who is seeking?

36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” [37] Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The eunuch answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.

4. The final example the eunuch gives us is that when he understood what he did to do, he did it. Immediately. Sometimes I have wished to have a script of what the Spirit gave Philip to say in teaching the good news. We don’t know if they talked for two hours, two days, or two weeks, on that portion of the journey. And we don’t have to know. God put Philip in the life of an obedient seeker to be His mouthpiece. And I love how immediately obedient that Ethiopian was as soon as he knew what he needed to do.

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

From my interpretation, this Ethiopian was the start of the church in Africa. I trust that God continued to equip Him along the way. The four exemplary characteristics of the Ethiopian eunuch would’ve continued to serve him well as the first African missionary: worshipping God, reading God’s Word, asking questions, and being obedient.

Which aspect of the Ethiopian eunuch’s example is of greatest encouragement or challenge to you today? Or maybe it’s Philip’s example as God’s messenger to bring good news to a seeker. Whichever you are, please let us know how we can encourage you on your journey closer to God and one another!

And if you have not yet been baptized for the forgiveness of sins and in order to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, we would love to serve as Philips to help you take that step of obedience!

#IronRoseSister #MichelleJGoff #HIStories #baptism #Ethiopianeunuch #worshipGod #readtheBible #askquestions #obeyimmediately #blog

We were just getting started on our all-night drive back to Denver. It had been a great weekend visiting grandpa on the farm. I was in the back seat with Kadesh, my nephew who was almost two years old at the time.

Kadesh Austin is named after Grandpa Dean Austin, and it turns out they have more than a name in common.

As we got on the road, I took out the iPad to do some writing, but Kadesh had a better idea. He wanted to hold my hand as he tried to fall asleep. “Hold my hand, Aunt M.” Who am I to argue? I closed the iPad and took Kadesh's hand.

We looked at the stars, delighted in the full moon, and pointed out the cars driving by. He soon fell asleep and I returned to my writing, glad I had taken a moment to hold his hand and enjoy the mutual love and relationship between us.

I was reminded of a similar moment sitting on the couch with Grandpa that weekend. He had a granddaughter on each side and, while seated there, we grasped each other's hands. We held hands as we prayed before each meal. We grasped hands to help him stand up from the couch. Many special moments were cherished, and the strength of family was renewed by taking hold of each other's hands.

My encouragement to you is to take a moment to hold someone's hand—a child, a grandparent, your spouse, a friend... There are many who would greatly appreciate a loving touch, and you will be blessed by making a moment to take their hand.

God invites us to take a moment and grasp His hand each day. During your prayer time today, imagine yourself holding God’s hand as you talk with Him and listen to Him in prayer. Picture yourself in His right hand.

At this time of year, many gather to celebrate baby Jesus, when God became flesh and dwelled among us. He is Emmanuel, God with us, the ultimate gift of Presence.

#IronRoseSister #gift #presence #Emmanuel #InGodsRightHand

Many people have shared why they are staying home or taking precautions for the Coronavirus. There may be an immune-compromised individual or an elderly family member that they know are at higher risk if they contracted the virus. “I’m staying home for ____,” and messages like that have filled my news feed and reminded everyone that the good of others is a higher priority than our own selfish ambitions.

Selfish ambitions can be hard to let go of. Preschoolers are taught, “You get what you get, and you don’t throw a fit.” Not everyone can have their own way. A few adults might need that reminder...

Sacrifice for the good of others to the ultimate degree was modeled by Christ (Phil. 2:3-11).

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

The Head bowed low.
The One who was God in His very nature made Himself nothing.
The CEO of the company decided to clean the toilets at every employee’s house.
The superintendent of schools decided to go back to kindergarten.
The Head of the body decided it was time to play the part of the toenail on the little toe.

The Head bowed low and humbled Himself for the good of others.
His sacrifice made it possible for us to be one with Him as part of the body.
He did His part so that we might have our part in Him.
And now we have the opportunity to humble ourselves as the diverse parts of the body for the good of the whole and to the glory of the Head.
What is your part today?

P.S. His example of obedience and submission will be discussed at greater length in next month’s posts.

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 Amaro, volunteer with Ministério Irmã Rosa de Ferro in Campo Grande, Brazil

There are several accounts about Jesus where His divinity is expressed with great power, and I believe that resurrecting people is one of the biggest demonstrations of that. We have some biblical accounts, like the widow’s son in Nain (Luke 7:11-17), Lazarus (John 11), and Jairo’s daughter (Matt. 9).

But, for the moment we will focus on Jairo’s daughter. We don’t know her name, her age, or even what she looked like. The only information we have about her is her ancestry: she’s Jairo’s daughter. Let’s take a look at the whole history:

‘‘While he was still saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.”
Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples [...]
When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. News of this spread through all that region. (Matt. 9:18-19, 23-26)

This complex history demonstrates Jesus’ compassion for women and children, whom, most of the time, were undervalued during the first century’s Jewish society.

We know that Jesus has power to resurrect the dead. He was resurrected himself after the crucifixion and lives today at the Father’s right hand. But, one thing is knowing, reading and listening about it. It’s another thing to actually experience it.

And that’s where the mystery lies: We are not Jairo’s daughter, but we were also dead and we were also resurrected!

Look at how beautiful the reality of what Christ did for us is, in the words of the apostle Paul:

‘‘As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following the desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 2:1-7)

Like Jairo’s daughter, we didn’t have (at least not in any biblical account) a name or an identity.

And just like Jairo interceded to God on behalf of his daughter, Jesus interceded to God on our behalf.

Just like they doubted the power of God during that time, they doubt God’s power to transform lives today.

Jesus knew there was hope for Jairo’s daughter, because He is powerful to bring LIFE, and HE knew there was hope for us also, through His sacrifice.

When Jesus says there was no reason for mourning, they laughed at Him. Those who doubt God’s power can laugh at us and at our faith, but they can’t contest a miracle: a life made new is a miracle!

This HIStory also speaks a lot about us: Christ has the power to resurrect! It’s incredible to know that the same power that resurrected Jesus lives in us today:

‘‘(...) and his incomparable great power for us who believe.
That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms…” (Eph. 1:19-20)

Is there something that our God cannot do? He already performed the greatest miracle ever, giving us new life.

God bless us!

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #resurrection #guestwriter

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

The books of Ruth, Esther, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Lamentations are known as the Scrolls of the Megilloth. These five books of history, poetry and prophecy are read every year during designated festivals as part of the spiritual rhythms for the Jewish nation. This practice has been in place for centuries as a constant reminder of God’s salvation, His eternal plan, and everlasting love.

Each book or scroll reveals and reminds us of God’s salvation, plan, and love in different ways: Ruth through relationships, Esther through struggles, Ecclesiastes through wisdom, Song of Songs through a love story, and Lamentations through lament.

In the United States, inspired by the Thanksgiving holiday at the end of November, many people have adopted the practice of the spiritual rhythm of thanksgiving throughout that month. Before the commercialization of Christmas, the opportunity to pause and give thanks is vital for resetting our focus and renewing our faith.

• When I give thanks, I remember that God is the Great Provider and that His salvation is complete.
• When I give thanks, I recognize God’s eternal plan and trust that He knows what is best.
• When I give thanks, I dwell in God’s love and rest in His Presence.

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1-3

Written by Mirelis González Sánchez, volunteer with Ministerio Hermana Rosa de Hierro in Honduras

I have been teaching children’s classes for years in different congregations and one of the things that I enjoy the most is everything I can learn about them. These tiny creatures have a great natural capacity to transmit beautiful teachings and values that are necessary to enter the Kingdom of God. By observing them and valuing the importance of the ingenuity and transparency of their hearts.

On one occasion, one of the girls in my class got very excited about a puppet that we use on Sundays to recreate the Bible story we are sharing. I knew that she loved puppies and so I allowed her to play the role of that little animal, created by God during the formation of the world. When the class was over, we all gathered the resources we had used and I told the group goodbye and that I hoped to see them the next week.

The following Sunday, I noticed as “my little animal lover” came closer that she had a sad and worried face. When I talked with her, I understood what happened. She felt sorry and sad because without anyone realizing it, she had taken the puppy puppet home since she had liked it so much. She told me that she felt really bad for what she had done to her teacher that she loved. Right then, she showed me a teddy bear from home that she wanted to gift to the class as a demonstration of her repentance for her behavior.

The attitude of this little girl prompted me to remember and meditate on a very important theme for Christians. She not only understood what she had done, but the change of heart motivated her to act in a way that demonstrated her repentance.

When we draw near to the feet of Jesus, one of the first things we learn, besides His love, is that we should repent. That moment is a necessary step in order to be saved, not one we can skip over.

We often refer to repentance only as a feeling of guilt and sorry that we should have after bad acts. When we go to the Bible and dig deeper, we see the true repentance that the Lord demands, not just the feeling of pain for our sins, but rather it should lead us to change our way of thinking that, in turn, transforms our way of acting.

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matt. 3:8)

First, we must understand the depth of love God has for us and the sinful condition in which we were found. This leads us to change our reaction to sin. In other words, if we sin, it should hurt and sadden us. Consequently, these two attitudes will lead us to act in a way that reflects sincere efforts to distance ourselves from sin in order to establish direct communion with God.

If the repentance we experience stays only in our thoughts or a confession of our faults and does not yield true fruit, it will remain simply as a regret on our conscience. In the Bible, we see various examples of people that, even though they recognized their sins, they did not demonstrate authentic repentance. This was the case with the Pharaoh of Egypt (Ex. 9:27) and King Saul (1 Sam. 15:24).

God seeks in us a repentance that leads to joy based on the hope that He offers us salvation and forgiveness of sins. This is totally different from the regret that Judas Iscariot experienced when he recognized that he had sold his Lord who was innocent. The result of his sadness was not to turn to God, but rather to take his life in a tragic way.

It is necessary as daughters of God to seek daily an attitude of repentance. We can all grow closer to His presence no matter how dark our past. Pedro shows us that, in spite of his faults, his character flaw that led him to deny His Teacher, he opened his heart to show true humility. Pedro knew to recognize the power of the Lord and courageously admitted the magnitude of his sin. The Bible tells us that he cried bitterly and repentantly. This heartfelt act was the door through which the Holy Spirit could work in his life. After this, the apostle reflected his joy as a valuable instrument in the hands of God to carry the gospel to many. He even gave his life for the cause of his Savior.

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19).

So, let’s reflect for a moment. Is our repentance the complete process that yields true fruit for God or simply an internal personal reflection?

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #repentance #truerepentance #changeofheartandaction #forgiveness #guestwriter #blog

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

“And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.” (Heb. 11:11)

I can assure you that both you and I have passed through a variety of seasons in our walk of faith. In particular, I have experienced seasons of fruitfulness and I have also experienced seasons of suffering where I did not understand how God could redeem it. And yet, He did.

In my family devotional life, each night we pray for our deepest needs; it is one of the most anticipated moments, opening our hearts, recognizing that we have our struggles. Each one participates giving their requests… that is the dynamic. My turn comes. I once again made a recurring and embarrassing request for a woman who longs to receive the praise of her husband and children, and at the end of a day with a hectic and busy schedule I said: “I ask that God work in my life as the woman He wants me to be, with a soft and quiet spirit pleasing in His eyes.” My son replied and said: "You have been asking for the same thing for a long time." And this was my starting point of affliction, of pain and anguish. "Yes son, it's time."

It is not that God does not always answer my prayers exactly the way I want Him to, nor how many times I manifest them, it was time to not stand there waiting for something magical to happen, but to trigger change and truly take advantage of every opportunity as a mother, wife, daughter and sister to show Christ, even when His very nature is to redeem.

And this is what I see today in this passage. Here Sarah, wife of the great patriarch Abraham, tends to be seen in a frame of dignity and honor. But reading the biblical description of her life, it is impossible not to notice that at times she acted very badly. She may throw fits and tantrums, be impatient, moody, scheming, fierce, mean, fickle, bad-tempered, jealous, erratic, irrational, a winner, complaining, and nagging. However, it has always been a reference or the perfect model of godly grace and meekness.

So, it's easy to start from praise, thinking that we're good Christians, that we read our Bibles, that we pray regularly, that we congregate faithfully and obey all the rules. This is an inaccurate version of ourselves. We fail daily, we are unfaithful every time we choose to sin, we are weak and easily distracted. We can have it all by appearance, but our heart tells the truth. When our life is not according to God's plans and purposes, all we experience is pain, misery, and much regret. At some point it can seem to work in our favor and at the same time be far from God, in slavery, stagnant, without significant changes.

Sara was a creature driven by carnal problems like us. There was one thing she wanted above all else, and that was having children. But she was barren from the beginning to the end of her childbearing years. In fact, this is pretty much the first thing scripture mentions about her in Genesis 11:30, obviously grieving over barrenness. Each episode of bad humor or conflict in her family was preceded by her failure due to her infertility. This consumed her. She spent many years dealing with the frustration and depression that her reality produced. Her desperate desire for motherhood was ended by accepting the fact of her barrenness (Gen. 16:2). She wanted her husband to have an heir so badly that she came up with a plan between him and her maid.
Conceivably, the aftermath of such a carnal alibi was nearly life-tearing and seemed to leave a permanent scar on her personality. Her bitterness infuriated her for thirteen years, until she finally insisted that Abraham expel the other woman, and the child they had fathered.

Her defects are notorious and enough, there is no doubt, she had fallen. Her faith weakened, her heart led her down a wrong path, flaws visible and unquestionable. And we wonder, could there be something more? Fortunately, yes, there was much more to Sara than that. She had both strong points and glaring flaws. The scriptures actually commend her for her faith and steadfastness. The apostle Peter points to her as a model of how each wife should submit to the authority of her husband. Her life is characterized by humility, meekness, hospitality, fidelity, deep affection for her husband, sincere love for God and hope in all trials.

After making this contrast and contradiction, I can conclude that Sarah was a woman who received redemption, because she learned what was valuable, she believed, giving birth to a son after the years of her fertility, being old, a precedent in Hebrew history. The most relevant aspects are her unfailing fidelity to her husband, her perseverance against incredible obstacles and the firmness of her faith; they became the main feature of his legacy. Indeed, the New Testament admires her in the hall of faith: "Because she considered him faithful who had made the promise." (Heb. 11:11)

The full spectacle of Sarah's faith is not fully appreciated until the many seemingly insurmountable obstacles to that faith are considered. The happiness of God's promise fulfilled, not because of Sarah's perfection in obedience or faith, but because God is faithful to His word. Some promises of God are conditional on us doing something. But others are unconditional and are fulfilled not because of what we do, but because of who God is.

“Look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth. When I called him he was only one man, and I blessed him and made him many.” (Is. 51:2)

Now, dear reader, a life of faith is what God appreciates. You and I are not perfect women, we cannot be. God is not indifferent, He sustains us. Today, believe despite your struggles by remembering Sarah. She, against hope, trusted that the impossible for her, that which caused her laughter, would become true. And because He is faithful, we who believe in Christ are justified and redeemed.

That is why God shows His love in that, even though we were sinners, Christ died for us, to enjoy righteousness, believing in Him; being rich in mercy, He not only had a redemptive plan with Sarah and her family but also a plan for us. With the name of Jesus, enjoy, laugh embracing the value of each moment in faith and redemption in the hope of the glorious gospel that sustains us.

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #faith #hope #Sarah #againsthope #trust #redemption #imperfectredeemed #blog

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

“You mean you would take time every week to meet with me and study the Bible? Are you sure that isn’t going to be a burden? I just have so many questions,” Fernanda timidly asked Michelle the first time they sat down to chat over coffee. Michelle’s grin turned into a full-toothed smile as she responded, “There is nothing I would rather do than take the time to study the Bible with you! And, you know Mackenzie who first introduced us when you came to my house for an arepa night? She interned with me this past summer and I would love for the three of us to sit down and study together. I’m sure we can find a time that works for all three of us.” Fernanda continued to shake her head in disbelief that there were people willing to take the time to answer her questions about God, baptism, and the Bible.

Fast forward through weeks of Bible studies with Mackenzie and Michelle alternating the teaching. “Fer” took notes, came with questions about the verses we were to study next, and her passion to learn more continued to grow. Her hunger for God’s Word did not stop with her baptism on February 14, 2018. Valentine’s Day was a perfect day to declare the true meaning of love. By pronouncing her love and commitment to God through uniting herself with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, her demonstration of love for God on that day became infectious to others.

One month later, Fernanda’s friend María, who was there as a witness to Fer’s baptism, was baptized. Michelle, Fer, María, Mackenzie, and others continued to study the Bible and develop deeper mentoring relationships.

Fernanda graduated and returned to Nicaragua. While she and Michelle continued to stay in touch, the communication was sporadic, but no less deep in Biblical discussion. In October 2020, Michelle received the following WhatsApp message from Fer…

Hello Ms. Michelle!
I have faith that you’re seeing how great God is always.
I am writing to you because I was reflecting on my Christian path and the day of my baptism came to my mind, and I went to watch the video. Guess what? I saw you as that first person who came to hug me after I gave myself to God.
And I thought... wooooow. God used you to instruct me in the faith, to walk His beautiful way, to not give up on me and spend your time reading His good news, to answer many questions I had had for years, to encourage me to make the best decision of my entire life. I remember I told you I wanted to get to a point where I felt like I knew enough to get baptized, and then how the Spirit put that feeling of “it’s time” on me. You never said, “Wait more.” Instead, you rejoiced the night before my baptism. February 14, 2018. A date to never forget.
I love you!!!

Michelle’s tearful and grateful response invited Fer to find a time to catch up via video chat. After filling each other in on life, Fernanda’s passion for learning more about the truths from God’s Word became evident. She was reading a “Christian” book and was unsure how to discern whether there was truth in what they were proclaiming. Michelle thanked her again for asking the right questions and, instead of answering her questions, Michelle equipped Fernanda with the tools to answer them for herself from 1 John 4, Matthew 7, and several other passages. Fer took notes and immediately applied the verses to her initial question. The best part was when she shared that she can’t wait to share these tools and these truths with her family and with others.

Two by two by two. 2 Timothy 2:2. Teaching to teach. From interns to baby Christians, growing in their passion and knowledge to be shared with others, we rejoice in the way God has used these Iron Rose Sisters to expand the kingdom, beyond borders.

If you would like to find out more about baptism or would like to study the Bible with someone to understand more, please contact us!

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #baptism #multiplication #Biblestudy #truelove #MichelleJGoff

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

Tent Chapel Church of Christ in Blockton, Iowa, was a small church on the Iowa/Missouri border begun by Joshua Florea, father to ten children. His oldest daughter had a son, Glenn, who later had two boys, Charles and Dean. These brothers became neighboring farmers just north of the Florea-donated land for the Tent Chapel church building and cemetery. Joshua’s daughter, Maude, had a son named, Elvis, who later had a son named David, my dad.

Generations of the Florea family went to church together. Maude (aka Grandma Goff) was known for leading singing from the front row, proudly belting out the hymns to keep everyone in rhythm and on key. This rural farming community of family and neighbors gathered on Sunday mornings for worship, potlucks, and fellowship. They rejoiced when others rejoiced, and they mourned when others mourned.

Fast forward a few decades to 1966… Charles and Dean Cobb, both married by this time, were among those who learned of Elvis’ death and his wife Ruth’s resulting nervous breakdown. Dean and Evelyn, his wife, then watched Elvis and Ruth’s two children, my dad David and aunt Vickie, spend two years in an orphanage. Though they had never had children of their own, Evelyn had been a one-room schoolteacher. Dean knew that extra hands on the farm might be a help and mutual blessing. And so, in 1968, at the ages of 15 and 13 respectively, my dad and Aunt Vickie came to live with their distant cousin, Dean, and his wife of only ten years, Evelyn.

Growing up, my sisters and I were unaware of the full background of the story, and I am only sharing a snippet with you here... We would visit Grammy (dad’s birth mother, Ruth) and take her on day trips from the care facilities where she lived. We would spend a week every summer on the farm with Grandpa (Dean) and Grandma (Evelyn), exploring the barn, riding the four-wheeler, fishing in the pond, making cookies, and enjoying the fresh Iowa corn and other amazing cooking from Grandma’s kitchen.

I can still smell the mixture of tractor grease, dirt, and sweat from giving Grandpa a hug in his worn pair of overalls. Scrabble and baking with Grandma were annual traditions. Her recipe of Jell-o cookies became my own Christmas tradition.

While no formal adoption took place, there was never any doubt in our minds that Grandpa and Grandma were family. Dad had been adopted into their family and therefore, we were automatically born into that extension of their love and support.

Grandpa and Grandma did not pass on their last name. But neither has my dad since he had four daughters. None of them are upset at that lack of named legacy because the more important inheritance is one of faith and love.

Our heritage is part of our identity, but it does not define us. You may or may not know the history of your roots. You may have more questions than pride. Your heritage may be filled with brokenness and destruction instead of loving care.

No matter our history or our heritage, we have been given the beautiful opportunity to join a family of faith, to be adopted by the best Father one could hope to have.

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. ⁴ For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love ⁵ he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— ⁶ to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.(Eph. 1:3-6)

Adoption is an inclusion in family rights and privileges, traditions, and legacies. I share Maude Goff’s boisterous singing and Evelyn Cobb’s love of teaching. I was born into a generational legacy of faith and the Florea history of church planters. But when my dad and aunt were left alone as orphans, no longer directly connected to this legacy and those who could model that faith and its traditions, they were adopted back into that family.

It's like they were bought back or brought back, redeemed. They were given the choice of accepting the offer of a new home and family, of being “adopted.” Which would you choose? It is up to each of us whether we carry on the heritage of living adopted.

My family has been intimately and directly touched by adoption. Twice. We give thanks to God for Grandpa and Grandma, but our greater and eternal thanks are to God for His adoption of us as His sons and daughters.

Have you accepted the gift of adoption and eternal inheritance?

Co-authored by Claudia Pérez and Edilaine Staton, volunteers with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Alabama 

The topic of infidelity in the world today seems to be "fashionable." Every day more public figures exhibit their unfaithful relationships without fear or modesty. It seems that talking about infidelity today is becoming something very "common and normal." And, sadly, infidelities can even be seen in the lives of great religious leaders and within the Church itself. This occurs when behavior outside of what is written in the Scriptures is announced or preached, being faithful to an earthly standard, rather than to the will of God.

Dictionary.com defines infidelity as unfaithfulness; disloyalty. Let us remember what the Bible tells us about infidelity; it reminds us that we have a jealous God who wants us to present ourselves as a pure virgin bride to Christ. “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him”(2 Cor. 11:2 NIV).

Let's remember the unfaithful relationship between God and the people of Israel. Israel received a warning to not bow down to any other god because Jehovah is Jealous.“Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Ex. 34:14).

Today, the question is: What are the other gods we bow to: the god of money, ego, work, confusion, lust, disbelief, etc.?

God examines hearts. Another example of an unfaithful relationship was the nation of Judah. God’s desire was for Judah to turn to Him with all her heart, but Judah did it halfheartedly. “’In spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretense,’ declares the Lord”(Jer. 3:10).

In the next few verses, we see that God saw Israel as righteous compared to Judah, and gave Israel an opportunity to repent.

The Lord said to me, “Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah. Go, proclaim this message toward the north: Return, faithless Israel,” declares the Lord, “I will frown on you no longer, for I am faithful,” declares the Lord, “I will not be angry forever.”(Jer. 3:11-12)

God has always wanted us to turn to Him with sincere repentance. How many times have we had an unfaithful relationship with our God? How many times have we failed God? How have you shown your faithfulness to God? Like Israel or like Judah? God knows our hearts and will find falsehood. It is my prayer and wish that our repentance be sincere and without pretense like Israel. God forgives us and does not pour out His wrath. He will send people to us who will help us know His heart and who will feed us with knowledge and wisdom. God has given us His Church to welcome and instruct us in His Word so we may remain faithful to Him. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16).

God tests people’s fidelity. Let's remember how God tested Abraham's faithfulness in Genesis 12:1-2. God was at that moment testing Abraham's trust and faithfulness. God continues to test people as He did with Abraham, however we are not always totally willing to submit to God's will. Today, fidelity to God is increasingly missing from mankind. How many people are suffering due to a lack of faith in God? They do not believe that God even exists and that ultimately leads to their ruin. Many even reach the limit of their strength and take their own lives. The Bible tells us: “Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction”(Prov. 13:15). Infidelity leads us to transgress God's law and walk a hard and rough path.

When we decide to be wholeheartedly faithful to God, we will put aside our egos and walk together on the path that God set for us. As long as we continue to live behind the wall of our desires, we will in no way be able to understand the fidelity that God desires and we will experience an unfaithful relationship with Him. Sinful actions in our lives are evidence of an unfaithful relationship between God and us.

Malachi 3:6 reminds us: “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.” Thus, our infidelity will not alter God's faithfulness, even when we fail in our efforts to be completely faithful to Him. Are you ready to leave any god that is resulting in an unfaithful relationship with the Father? Are you ready to start a faithful relationship with our God and experience His great love and protection?

Written by Brenda Brizendine, Volunteer Coordinator for Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colorado 

Have you ever felt like you were carrying the entire weight of planet Earth on your shoulders? Or have you felt a very deep sadness? But what makes these feelings even more troubling is that you don't have any idea why.

I remember very well one particular day when I felt this way. I can't describe how real that weight felt. All I wanted to do was cry. I was so overwhelmed by this feeling that I couldn't concentrate on anything.

I wanted to pray and ask God to help me with that weight, but I couldn't complete even a single sentence in prayer, and I didn't know how to ask or what to ask for. But I remember that God directed me to ask for support in prayer from my group of sisters, prayer warriors, who had accompanied me for a long time on my Christian walk.

It was when I shared my request with them, and we agreed to pray for mercy and for God to take away this overwhelming burden, I was released. Through that unity in prayer, even from miles away, the battle was fought for me, and God freed me from the burden that I was carrying.

To this day, I can't find a reason for those feelings, but I am very aware of what I felt when that load was being lifted from my shoulders and my heart was being filled with peace and joy as I read the words of prayer that the sisters shared in our group chat.

Their faith, united in prayer with mine, made something supernatural happen. This reminds me of the passage in Matthew 18:19-20 (NIV)

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

And also, the passage found in James 5:16b, “pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

The enemy tried to defeat me because he found me alone, but when my heart was united with the hearts of my sisters, something powerful happened. The power of the unity of the family of God once again conquered evil with good, sadness with joy, tribulation with peace.

It is important that we develop that community of faith. If you've ever seen the movie "Facing the Giants," there's a scene where a group of people come together to pray for the kids at school. Things began to change. Things started to improve. Powerful things begin to happen when we come together in common agreement, and they are asked in the name of Jesus.

In his novel, This Present Darkness,Frank E. Peretti describes what he imagines our prayers together can do when we are in agreement. It is like clearing the way so that the angels can complete the mission that God has given them.

I currently meet regularly with a group of friends and sisters to pray over our children. Each week we share specific requests, and together, in single-minded agreement, we share these deep desires with the Father. We have seen many of those requests answered. And we are confident that we will continue to see the Hand of God at work in the lives of our little ones. I encourage you today to find your own prayer group, remembering that where two or more are united in the Name that is above all names, there is the power of the Holy Spirit to work miracles.

Allow me to share a prayer with you:

Eternal Father, Great, and Strong You are! I come to you through the Lord Jesus Christ, declaring what Your Word says— that where two or three are gathered together in Your name, there You are in the midst of them. At this moment I come in agreement with my sisters to cry out to You and invoke Your presence. You are Almighty God and for You nothing is impossible. I ask you to take control of our lives and those of our families, keeping us from illness, and supplying us with everything we need in a supernatural way. In the name of Jesus, Father, we humble ourselves and cry out to You for our nations and we ask You to establish Your kingdom. Shower down Your power and glory upon the world, pouring out repentance and conversion on every inhabitant of our countries. Lord, thank You for the power we experience in agreement and help us to maintain unity and keep us from division and strife. In the name of Jesus, Amen!

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

Paul and Barnabas teach us that different personalities are able to work together when God is the focus.

Acts 4:36-37 (ESV) introduces us to Barnabas. “Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.”

Paul comes on the scene in Acts 7:58-8:1, called by his Jewish name Saul, holding the garments of those stoning Stephen and approving the execution, indicating that he had some authority among Jewish leaders. He was born in Tarsus, an ancient city off the coast of the northern Mediterranean Sea. Philippians 3:5-6 says he was of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee. He would have considered Jesus a false prophet because of His claim to be the Son of God. He would have believed the new disciples were leaving the true God of Judaism, much like his ancestors did in following Canaanite gods.

Saul grew up in Jerusalem and studied at the school of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). 

Saul went to Damascus with a letter of authority from the high priest of the synagogue, intending to persecute the church there. On the way, he encountered Jesus and was baptized by Ananias. He began preaching in Damascus soon after he was baptized, amazing the disciples who knew he had originally come with the intent to persecute the Christians there (Acts 9:21).

When Saul returned to Jerusalem, the disciples were afraid of him; they remembered him as a persecutor of the church. But Barnabas stood by his side and introduced him to the apostles (Acts 9:26-27). They didn’t trust Saul, but they did trust Barnabas.

The disciples had scattered after the stoning of Stephen. In Acts 11 word reaches Jerusalem that there were believers in Antioch, and Barnabas was sent to investigate. Acts 11:23 tells us, “When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord.”

Barnabas then went to Tarsus to look for Saul, who had been sent there by the disciples in Jerusalem for his safety (Acts 9:30; 11:25-26), and brought him to Antioch where they worked together for a year.

Acts 13:2 reads, “…the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’”

Another missionary disciple, John Mark, went with Saul and Barnabas on this first missionary journey, assisting them as they went from town to town. At Paphos, Mark leaves and returns home.

Acts 13:9 refers to “Saul, who was also called Paul,” and from this point on we read of Paul and Barnabas as they continue without Mark. This journey was filled with receptive hearts as well as persecution from the Jews, who sometimes followed from town to town. 

When Paul and Barnabas finished this first journey, they sailed back to Antioch, gathered the church together, and declared all that God had done through them and how He had opened the door of faith for the Gentiles.

Even after all the persecution, Paul and Barnabas began planning a second missionary journey. Barnabas wanted to take Mark again, giving him another opportunity, but Paul opposed taking him and they argued. Acts 15:39 calls it a “sharp disagreement.”

As a result of this disagreement, they went different ways; Barnabas took Mark, Paul took Silas, and the gospel was spread in two directions. Paul completed three missionary journeys. We do not have detail about the further work of Barnabas.

Paul appears to be goal-oriented… he had a purpose, a plan… and he did not want it disrupted. He probably made decisions quickly, then stood by those decisions.

Barnabas appears to be relationship-oriented, looking for those who needed encouragement. He probably took his time making decisions, evaluating what the need was before acting. 

Despite the disagreement, it appears Paul kept up with the work of Barnabas and Mark. In 2 Timothy 4:11 Paul wrote, “Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.” 

Paul values Mark, and we assume the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas was not a permanent rift. In Christ-filled relationships, good friends can have sharp disagreements and still maintain respect and friendship.

The confidence Barnabas had in Mark may well have been what encouraged him to write his gospel. 

Just as God used Paul and Barnabas despite their differences, He can use our different personalities for His purposes. Paul had intense zeal; Barnabas had a heart for people. We can learn from both of them.

Written by Sherry Hubright, Volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Georgia
Shared in Who Has the Last Word? Cutting through Satan’s Lies with the Truth of God’s Word, written by Michelle J. Goff

I was in a very dark place. There were battles on every front and I felt as though I was losing every battle. One day I decided I didn’t want to fight anymore. I was tired. I packed a bag and placed it in the trunk of my car while no one in my household was present. Later in the day I
announced I was running an errand when in actuality I was running away. I did not tell my husband or my closest friends where I was going. The truth is I did not know myself.

My first stop was the Grist Mill at Stone Mountain Park (Atlanta, Georgia). It was one of my favorite places to retreat and pray, and so I did. I stayed at the park for a couple of hours pleading with God for reprieve from the battle. While I was vigorously waving a white flag, it was as though it was waved in front of blind eyes. I was plummeting deeper into darkness.
It was decision time, but I did not like the choices I was giving myself. I decided the safest decision was to give myself more time away from every person and every responsibility. I sent a text to my husband telling him I was fine, but I still needed some time alone. He was very gracious. It was at that point I turned off my cell phone and I checked into a hotel. By the time I got to my room my voice mailbox had several messages from my husband and from one of my dearest friends. It was a couple of hours before I could listen to the messages and a while longer until I could respond. What words did I have to explain my behavior? None.

In their writings, both Oswald Chambers and C.S. Lewis describe something called the Dark Night of the Soul. They could write about it because it was their experience at one time or another in their own lives. It certainly describes my experience too. If you are like me you often equate darkness with evil and that does not bode well with this Christ-follower. The truth is even in my darkest moment, and in His silence, I sensed the presence of God or as I have since described it, the Shadow of God.

David paints the picture well in Psalm 23:

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, and he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for YOU ARE WITH ME; your rod and staff they comfort me.”

On that day several years ago, God had not abandoned me. Looking back now I can see He made incredible provision. In the valley, He gave me a quiet place to lie down, His presence, and His Word and Spirit to guide me out of the valley and to a much better place. His faithfulness then is all I need now to remind me that any valley-time I face is still proof of His love.

*****
What would Sherry’s Lie/Truth Chart look like?

Thank you, Sherry, for sharing your story! Together, we can give God the last word when assaulted by the lies compounded by depression.

From Psalm 91:

“He who dwells in the shelter (covering, hiding place) of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord: He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust… He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings will you find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day…”

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #depression #valleytime #lietruthchart #WhoHastheLastWord #guestwriter #blog

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

Singleness is a loaded word. It evokes a reaction and carries connotations that stir up feelings we may not be comfortable discussing. For some, singleness is independence and liberty. For others, loneliness, and isolation.

In 2019, I conducted surveys and interviews to ascertain the thoughts of single and single-again women on the topic of singleness. As one of the most neglected populations in our churches, yet statistically over half the population in the U.S., I knew this was a necessary conversation.

Late 2021, One Single Reason: Conversations with Single Women was released. It ensures that we seat God at the head of the table and most attentively listen to His voice. My voice is represented through various stories and illustrations. Other women’s voices are shared through their own experiences and perspectives. Finally, we invite your voice into the conversation. Pull up a chair!

We are invited to share in the opportunity to learn from one another and from Scripture. The number of single and single-again characters in the Bible is astounding. Some of the most famous people whose stories are narrated in the Scriptures were single, starting with Jesus.Then we have Paul, Mary, and Martha amongst His most devoted disciples. Miriam was single, Hagar was a single mom, and Anna was a widow who dedicated years serving in the temple, awaiting the Messiah.

One of the ways we can celebrate singleness is to highlight that facet of these integral individuals in God’s Bible story. Singleness is not the sum of who we are, but neither it is a characteristic or dynamic that can be ignored.

Integrating our unique qualities, God amazingly weaves all our stories into the tapestry of His design and wills us to walk with Him through all stages and ages of our lives. The Body cannot function without all its members (1 Cor. 12); therefore, our single members are also vital to the Kingdom.

One Sunday morning, shortly after the book’s release, a shepherd at my current congregation asked how long it took me to write One Single Reason. Before I could formulate my answer, he interrupted me. “I bet this one took a lifetime.” Amazed at how deeply that elder saw me and my work, I slowly nodded, “Yes, it did.”

Throughout my life, I have heard hundreds, maybe thousands of cries from single women that their stories be heard, and their lives be valued. We are more than our marital status, but singleness brings distinct challenges that can only be understood by someone who has lived through it.

The median age for women to get married has increased to 28 from an average of 20.3 in the 1950s. Most young singles do not have someone in their lives who has lived through the same experiences she has, beginning a career instead of starting a family. One course of action is not right while the other is wrong, they are simply different.

And our differences can feel threatening. We fear what we don’t know or understand. When we openly share our hearts, our struggles, and our experiences, we demystify the unfamiliar. Yes, there is a vulnerability in that level of openness, but we were designed to be in deep and meaningful relationships. Our sincerity will facilitate genuine conversation and unity.

We all long for relationship and purpose (Matt. 22:36-39; Matt. 28:18-20; John 15). As we strive toward these goals, may we listen, learn, and love those who are different. The invitation of God’s love and service in His Kingdom is not exclusive. We can all be clothed with Christ and find our most significant identity in Him (Gal. 3:26-27).

Today, I invite you to ask a single or single-again woman how you can pray for her. It is a first step toward listening, learning, and loving.

We all long for authentic relationships. In the highly “connected” world through social media and other technology, we often lose sight of the art of deep connection and relationship.

Our relationship with God can become about “liking” a meme with a Bible verse more than allowing those verses to transform our hearts.

Our relationships with others can be more about the number of likes they send than the quality or depth of spiritual relationships.

I recently challenged a friend to ask me often, “What are you saying no to?”. By giving her permission to question me, I showed her how I was working to remove a thorn that has hindered my growth. In turn, she was able to be vulnerable and share how she struggles with the same issue. We now serve as iron sharpening iron as Iron Rose Sisters, encouraging each other and holding each other accountable in that specific area.

Another friend texted me one morning after a difficult conversation the night before, “Hey! Need that iron today?! Me too!” Our iron-sharpening-iron relationship was a two-way street of encouragement and saying what needed to be said, in love (Eph. 4:15).

An Iron Rose Sister…

• can be young or old, a new Christian or a mature one, in the same town, or across the country,
• has the strength of iron and the delicacy of a rose,
• brings her unique talents and gifts to God’s garden as she serves in Christ’s church.

When iron sharpens iron, sparks fly. However, it is how stay sharp and ready for battle. Only the branches that are growing get pruned (John 15:2). And one of the ways that God, as the Divine Gardener, helps with our pruning is through our Iron Rose Sister relationships.

Thank you to the Iron Rose Sisters in my life who encourage me to be as beautiful as a rose, in spite of the thorns.

#IronRoseSister #sisters #friends #DivineGardener #ironsharpensiron

The Great I AM is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The gifts He gives are also everlasting, faithful, and true. Today, around the world, many celebrate the gift of His Son, born as a baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger (Luke 2)—a gift that keeps on giving.

The humble circumstances of His birth illustrate the extravagance of the gift.
The King of Kings wore no crown other than the crown of thorns (Mark 15:17).
The Lord of Lords became a servant and submitted to His Father’s will (John 13; Matt. 26:39).
The Lord of Heavenly Hosts was announced with a chorus of angels, yet He asked them to remain silent when He chose to become the perfect sacrifice (Luke 2:13-14; Matt. 26:53).
Emmanuel, God with us, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but rather He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross (Matt. 1:22-23; Phil. 2:5-11).

The humility and vulnerability of God’s love is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His love never fails and never gives up. It never runs out on me (Jesus Culture, One Thing Remains).

The Love that sent Jesus to earth, the Love that sacrificed His one and only Son, the Love that forgives the unforgiveable, the Love whose mercies are new every morning... is a Love that gives generously, unconditionally, undeniably, and extraordinarily.

Take a moment today and thank God for His eternal gifts, the most precious of which was, is, and always will be: His Son.

#IronRoseSister #IalreadyAM #theGreatIAM #love #gift #Emmanuel

Written by Lisanka Martínez, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Venezuela

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens a friend.” (Prov. 27:17 CEB)

We were created to be in relationships and to learn from those relationships.

It is undeniable that we are influenced by, and can influence the other people on our relational map. In this world, relationships are often complicated. Both in the family environment, as well as at work, in studies, and in the community, there will be differences, rivalries, and communication failures, among other things, that can make relationships complicated.

In the church body, we also learn about relationships, of course, with a different focus than the rest of the world. Once in Christ, even the most obstinate of human beings learns that we must love everyone, relate to all kinds of personalities, accept them, and treat them with love, as well as correct and be corrected with love. It is more difficult for some than for others. Depending on the temperament of each person, the change may be greater or less.

In my case, I grew up in a large family where most of them talked a lot, and with a loud and strong tone of voice. I, on the other hand, was quiet and limited myself to listening, expressing my opinion only if they asked me to. This distinguished me from others during my childhood and adolescence. I had few friends with whom I could express myself more openly; this caused some misunderstandings and embarrassing situations that only led me to become more withdrawn. Later, while I was studying Social Work, I began to express myself more in my relationships, both at school and with friends, but in my family relationships, I made little progress.

I learned a lot more about the exchange in relationships during my college years and in my working life. However, it wasn’t until I became part of the church that I learned so much more. I continue to learn about interpersonal relationships and the fact that God did not create us to be alone. His word says, “Two are better than one” (Eccl. 4:9 NIV).

When we are guided by the word of God and learn both from the examples of the relationships that had bad outcomes and from the ones that are good examples for believers, we can choose which path we will follow. When we understand the fruit of the Spirit and all that it generates in us, we will want to make an effort to develop it in our lives.

Likewise, when we see a brother or sister who, despite the adversities they are suffering, is ready to advise or help us, or when we understand that the sister who criticizes or judges also has faults and is as human as anyone, or when we see that sister who persists in her pride and maintains her opinions, believing herself to be wiser and less sinful than others (we may also see ourselves reflected in her conduct), we find that everything is part of God’s divine plan. Because we are blessed with His grace, every day we must try to keep the flame of brotherhood and friendship alive, despite our own mistakes or the mistakes of others. We learn that God's love is incomparable, and is what we must imitate, just as brother Paul advises when he says,

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.(Phil. 2:3-5)

Let us try to achieve this in our relationships, not only with our sisters in faith, but also with each person who crosses our path and with whom we can share the glorious love of our Heavenly Father through the gospel of salvation along with a good deed or kind gesture.

Would you like to follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ in His relationships?

What can we learn from each relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ?

Are we applying that learning and that same attitude in our secular lives?

How can we improve our intra-family relationships?

May God bless us and help us reflect His peace and love every moment in all our relationships.

#IronRoseSister #teachthroughrelationships #learnthroughrelationships #learnfromothers #blog #guestwriter

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

From a very young age, my personality was leading towards being an Enneagram 9. If you know about the Enneagram personalities, you will know what I mean. If not, this link will take you to some information that may help you understand it in a very illustrative way: The Nine Enneagram Types - Enneagram Explained.

The ability to mold myself into this Enneagram personality type is a result of being raised by a father who was a very severe man. So, I adopted a rather stressful defense mechanism: trying to make everything perfect at home to prevent my father from getting angry.

As a consequence of maintaining this practice for years, I managed to make connecting with God, from the perspective of seeing Him as a loving Father, one of my greatest challenges. This is especially hard when we have grown up with the image of a God who in the old covenant is seen as a strict and demanding Father, demanding the attention of His people.

However, when we look at the story of God and His people from a more global perspective, we observe a God full of grace and tenderness. “For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath”(Deut. 4:31 NIV).

There are examples of grace throughout the Bible. Although the Old Testament focuses its attention on justice, mercy also plays an essential role in our understanding of the character of God. “In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it— one from the house of David—one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness”(Is. 16:5).

With God, there is no judgment without mercy. “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!”(Is. 30:18)

This new understanding of the old covenant has also changed the way I perceive my relationship with my earthly father and has even allowed me to discover traits of my own personality that I was unaware of. Now I can feel more authentic in my relationship with myself and with God, I feel confident in a love that doesn't desperately need perfection, it just needs me to be willing to live in His home forever as we are promised in Psalm 23:6. “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

In this way, Christ can do his work.“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”(2 Cor. 12:9a).