Iron Rose Sister Ministries

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

There are few things we know about Bathsheba beyond her beauty, her marital status, and that she became the mother of Solomon:

“One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful.” (2 Sam. 11:2)

“When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him.” (2 Sam. 11:26)

If you don’t know this story, I encourage you to read the whole thing in 2 Samuel chapters 11 and 12. Yet, I want you to recognize these two points:

• Bathsheba always found grace in the eyes of King David.
• Even though her destiny was not the one she had dreamed of, God crowned her as the mother of King Solomon.

In order to become the mother of Solomon, Bathsheba had to suffer two losses, Uriah and her son. In less than a year’s time, she lost her husband and a son, in the middle of a war. However, she did not have the slightest idea of God’s purpose in her life. At the end of her days, she sat at the right hand of the king.

1 Kings 2:19, “When Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah, the king stood up to meet her, bowed down to her and sat down on his throne. He had a throne brought for the king’s mother, and she sat down at his right hand.”

Have you ever been in the most difficult moment in your life and you cannot even imagine what God has planned for you?

I cannot count the number of times that this has played out repeatedly in my life, like a constant cycle. When I see the darkness, God has prepared a brilliant sun under which His grace is reborn!

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Cor. 12:9)

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Written by Crisamarie Rivas, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Ecuador

The Bible, as a source of wisdom and spiritual guidance, reveals profound messages about creation and the purpose of humanity. Within this wonderful narrative, women are presented as beings created with a specific purpose, full of value and meaning. Through carefully selected Bible verses, let’s explore the role and importance of women in the divine plan, and how these truths can inspire us in our daily lives.

The Creation of the Woman: A purpose designed by God.
"It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (Gen 2:18 NIV).

God created the woman as a help suitable for the man. The word "suitable" means adequate, appropriate, or complementary. This reveals that women are not mere companions, but play an essential role in the life and purpose of men. They were designed to be partners who bring unique skills, perspectives, and gifts.

Motherhood: A Purpose of upbringing and formation.
"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue" (Prov. 31:26).

The virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 exemplifies the purpose of nurturing and training through wisdom. Women can influence and guide future generations with love, patience, and advice. As mothers, grandmothers, and mentors, their impact on the formation of character and values ​​is incalculable.

Service and Ministry: A purpose of impact.
"... and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means" (Luke 8:2-3).

Women in Jesus' ministry were passionate followers and valued collaborators. These women were not only beneficiaries of His love and healing but also gratefully served Him. This highlights the purpose of women in service and ministry, demonstrating that their gifts and resources can be used mightily for the advancement of God's Kingdom.

From personal experience, I can say that I was created with a purpose since my birth because God has used me to leave a seed in the hearts of the people I have met. That is why I invite you who are reading this to wisely put into practice the purpose that God created in you.

In addition, we can find important examples of women who had a great purpose in the Bible: Esther saved her people from being killed, Mary gave birth to our Lord Jesus Christ, and Ruth left her home and customs out of love for her mother-in-law. Thanks to their offspring, David and Jesus were born. Thanks to them, we can understand that we were born for a special purpose and that God places us where we should be to fulfill His purpose in our lives.

I am sure that the Lord used me in my past and will continue to do so in my present and future, but for this, I must let Him use me according to His will.

As we reflect on these biblical truths about the purpose of women, it is important to remember that each woman is unique and has a personal role in God's plan. Regardless of traditional or cultural roles, women are called to embrace their divine purpose with courage and confidence.

Every loving interaction, every wise advice, and every act of service has an eternal impact on the world around us. Women are not simply companions, but leaders, educators, and bearers of light in the darkness.

In conclusion, the Bible reveals to us that women were created for an intrinsic and worthwhile purpose. As partners, mothers, leaders, and servants, women can positively influence the world and glorify God through their lives. May we embrace with gratitude and joy the purpose that God has given us, seeking to fulfill it with love and determination in every area of ​​our lives.

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

We often sing:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,


Look full in His wonderful face,


And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
 

 In the light of His glory and grace.

These words, by Helen Lemmel, speak of Scriptures written long ago about our focus in life. 

The author of Hebrews writes: “… looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…” (Heb 12:2a ESV).

Other versions refer to Jesus as “author and finisher” (KJV, NKJV, ASV), or “originator and perfecter” (NASV).

My daddy, who grew up on a farm, used the example of a farmer plowing with an old-fashioned hand plow. His rows were straight because he focused on a post or tree in the distance as he plowed instead of looking down at the ground or around at the scenery.

Paul wrote: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col 3:2).

Our everyday life has things that distract us; it may be necessities such as our work or family, or being focused on the pleasures of life.

When Matthew tells of Peter walking on the water, he writes: “… So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” (Mt 14:29-30).

Look at what Matthew says:
1.   Peter asked to go to Jesus (Mt 14:28).
2.   Peter got out of the boat (Mt 14:29).
3.   Peter walked on water (Mt 14:29).
4.   Then, Peter began looking around at the storm… the winds and waves… became afraid… and began to sink (Mt 14:30).

Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and began watching the storm. That is when he had a problem.

We do the same thing when we encounter the difficulties of life, whether it is relationships, finances, health, or something else. That’s what delights the evil one— for us to forget that Jesus is our Rock.

David wrote: For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken (Ps 62:1-2).

Back to Peter: the verses following his cry for help tell us that Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter and together they went back to the boat. This means Peter walked on water a second time… with Jesus at his side. Redemption does this for us when we look to Jesus as Peter did.

Jesus does the same for us when we look to Him.

There is a common quotation that gives me peace about the storms of life:

“Sometimes God calms the storm, but sometimes God lets the storm rage and calms His child.”

When we focus on Jesus, trusting Him to keep His promises and always be with us, the storms of life have less power over us.

Long ago Moses wrote: Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you (Dt 31:6).

Isaiah restated that promise in different words:

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Isa 43:1b-3a)

Fixing our eyes on Jesus means we look for Him in the everyday events of life, and seek to do His will. It means trusting He intercedes for me when I don’t know how to pray, when life tumbles in and the words will not come.  

The question I ask is: In my life, what keeps me from focusing on Jesus, my Redeemer?

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

I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 
(Job 42:2 NIV)

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (Pr 19:21)

But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. (Ps 33:11)

Acknowledging God's absolute power and dominion over mankind affirms His magnificence and sovereignty; no thought is hidden from Him.

The Word says that what God wills, He does; and all things work together for good.

Acknowledging God has control over all things affirms that nothing is beyond His reach. When we recognize His all-fulfilling dominion, we humbly activate the obedience that molds us and orders our steps by clarifying His purpose for us. We can discern His purpose and define our own, for it is He who puts the will and the doing on our timeline. Consider the attitude of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as shown in Luke 1:38, when she said, ""I am the Lord's servant . . . May your word to me be fulfilled," accepting His dominion and counsel. Through her example, I learn that for God to define His purpose it is necessary to accept His will.

For us to enjoy such great salvation, Mary had to make a firm and positive decision in response to the divine plan. She said yes, opening the possibility of that eternal purpose being fulfilled in her. How important it is to open the way for God to act on our behalf (Ps 138:8). It is a way of getting involved in the commitment we have made.

"God is not the God of nonsense," a sister friend with whom I shared pleasant moments meditating and praying told me, “Because what God wants, He does." This is the phrase that strikes me the most. When I experienced my mother's departure from this earth, I clung very tightly to the quote from Romans 8:28 when the whys came to my mind, and the Word comforted me with this: "All things work together for good." At the time, I still did not understand what that good was. Personally, I understood that for her to have left with faith in the Lord was great gain and that, for me and the rest of the family, brought strength and comfort because we were rooted in the faith and hope of those who leave with God. God glorified Himself; I saw it when a family member was converted to Him; I understood then how God worked His purpose amid both sorrow and comfort.

Another example to consider is that God established a purpose when He created us in His image and likeness. However, it is up to each person to recognize and act on it. I can define God's purpose when I am a reflection of willingness and submission to Him, abandon myself into His hands, trust, and obey Him.

His counsel for eternity is immutable. Trusting in His divine plan can strengthen you in every situation. Waiting on His promise can transform darkness into light. The psalmist suggests that we entrust the way to Yahweh; our longings, our thoughts, and our hope in Him, trusting that the best response is the one He has defined.

We have the freedom to make plans and goals, without considering what God has designed, or simply not seeking His guidance. Is it convenient for me or not? Will God agree? How does God see this within His plans? Will He like it?
Yet, entrusting all your plans to Yahweh will bring positive results to your life. He will affirm your thinking, that is, confirm what you should do. When we have a close relationship with God, we get closer to His purposes and can discover what they are. However, you must consider continually seeking Him, and He will make you understand the way you should walk (Ps 32:8).

It is through deep connection in prayer and meditation on His Word that we can discover and define His purpose. How ways can you define God's Purpose in you?

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

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight” (Phil. 1:9).

Paul prays that the Christians in Philippi may have a love that is growing in knowledge and increasing in insight. That requires intentionality. It is an investment of time and energy. It takes effort to really get to know someone, and it takes intentionality to act on that knowledge. Intentionality is desire coupled with action, and it generates meaningful relationships.

We are not going to build relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ solely by showing up for service on Sundays and slipping out the side door after the last song. This is a truth I have learned from personal experience. Deep relationships do not occur by happenstance; we cannot expect to somehow “fall into” strong relationships. Rather we must make the conscious decision to pursue and build strong relationships.

According to the command given in Titus 2:4-5, older Christian women should

“train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God” (Titus 2:4-5).

Having been married less than five years, I have a lot to learn. This past spring, a sister intentionally initiated a weekly study with me. In this mentoring relationship, she is teaching me and I am learning from her about how to be a better wife. Even though she is getting older, she is very active in the kingdom. She is connected to the true vine and bearing much fruit (John 15).

On two different occasions when my husband was traveling for work, a sister in our congregation invited me over for dinner with her family. Although she is investing in the lives of her three young children, she is also intentional in getting to know me well enough to know what is going on in my life. She knows how to reach out to others and is deliberate in doing so. Hebrews 10:24 says, “

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

We are called to devote mental effort in contemplating how we may best encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ. It requires being intentional and involved in one another’s lives outside of the church building.

Another element of intentional relationships is being mindful of others in different seasons of life. I greatly appreciate Michelle’s most recent book, One Single Reason, because it deepens the discussion about singleness and supports sisters in Christ seeking to better understand each other. “Deep love for my single sisters” and “the same deep love for my married friends who long to know how to better support their single sisters” are the first two motivations united by the one single reason for the journey: love. “Even through misunderstandings and the lack of awareness on all sides,” Michelle writes, “one of the most beautiful outcomes has been the love expressed” (pg. 12). Do you hear that? This is a love that desires depth of relationship, motivates us to learn and grow, and seeks to better connect with our sisters in Christ, all while graciously covering over our mistakes and missteps along the way (1 Pet. 4:8).

Second Peter 1:5-8 urges us to add the attributes of knowledge, kindness, and love (among others) to our faith:

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Not only will continually growing in these characteristics prevent us from being unfruitful in Christ, it will also strengthen and deepen our relationships with one another.

I would like to conclude by extending our discussion of intentionality to those around us who are lost. In John 4:35, Jesus declares,

“Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”

Are our eyes open to the harvest every day at our workplace? Do we see the harvest in our neighborhood, across the street? What about the harvest in the pew to our left? Hebrews 9:27 warns, “man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” Let us tell everyone we can about the gospel in the hopes that, when they are standing before the judgment seat on judgment day, they know and are known by the Judge.

God is intentional in His relationship with us. Likewise, we should be intentional in our relationships with others. How are you being intentional in your relationships with your family in Christ? Are you putting yourself in situations where you can connect with people who need the gospel?

Written by Melanie Curtis, Office assistant for Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Searcy, AR.

Do you ever feel lost in this world? Like everything is meaningless, or what you’re doing in life either isn’t enough, or you aren’t where you thought you’d be? Even one of the wisest people ever, King Solomon, felt this way. He had everything he could have ever imagined and more—power, wealth, influence... Yet somehow, in Ecclesiastes 1:2-3, he still complained, “‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.’ What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?”

Lately, with all the stress in life, and in the world around us, we may wonder, “Is it even worth it? Will anything I do make a difference anyway?” Jesus did not hold to this philosophy. He said, “‘Everything is possible for one who believes’” (Mark 9:23b), and, speaking of salvation, “‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God’” (Mark 10:27b).

So what are some ways we can fulfill our function in the body of Christ, even in the midst of insecurity, change, and doubt? We should look to the Lord for help in this matter, searching the Word, praying for guidance, and looking at Jesus’ example. Below are some Scriptural examples that can guide and encourage us:
1. Remember to LOVE.
“The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world...Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:4b & 7)

2. Remember WHO your motivation is.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (Colossians 3:23)

3. Remember even the little things can make a BIG difference.
“‘Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”’” (Matthew 25:34-40)

4. Remember WHOSE you are and what that means.
“‘But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34)

I leave you with this verse, Solomon’s final conclusion regarding our purpose in life:
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

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

When I bake a wedding cake and make roses to decorate it, I set the prettiest roses to the side for the top tier or front of the cake. That is what I want people to focus on, not the rose whose petal folded inward as it was drying. Those roses are set apart for a special purpose.

In the same way, we, as God’s children, have been set apart for a purpose. From the beginning, God has called people out from where they were for a special purpose. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10 ESV).

We have examples of people God set apart from the world:

Noah was called out from the evil world to build the ark to save his family from the flood.

Abraham was called from his pagan homeland to a land God would provide with the promise that a great nation would come from him, including the Messiah.

Moses, after fleeing Egypt, was called from herding sheep to return to Egypt, go to Pharaoh, and say, “Let my people go.” These were descendants of Abraham.

David, another descendant of Abraham, was called from being a shepherd whose heart was turned toward God to become a mighty king.

John the Baptist was born to aged parents and called to prepare the way for the Messiah.

In Deuteronomy 14:2 we read about the Israelites, “For you are a people holy to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”

In each of these examples, there was a purpose— a reason they were set apart— to be His chosen people.

There are dozens of other examples in scripture, and what we need to realize is that God takes us where we are and gives us time to grow into what He has planned for us.

What does it mean for our lives to live as one set apart?

We stand out just as a rose stands out from the thorns. We will look different from the world around us as we make decisions that glorify God.

Jesus told His followers, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

The world is evil, but light shines brightest in the dark. We live in the world, but we are to be different.

Jesus prayed,

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. (John 17:17,18)

We are set apart by our actions and by our speech. Those are the two things most noticeable to other people. There are two scriptures I think of that encourage our lives to be set apart.

Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Just as the roses I set apart draw attention to the cake, so our lives should draw attention to Jesus and bring glory to God.

The words of Peter remind us of our purpose and importance to our Heavenly Father.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)

Are you living your life as one set aside for the purpose of drawing attention to our Lord?